Combating Illegal Migration: Continuation of "Operation Fox"

The number of apprehensions and arrests has since "massively" decreased, stated Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) on Tuesday at a press conference in Nickelsdorf (District of Neusiedl am See).

"Clever, diligent, consistent, but above all successful - these are the qualities I think of when it comes to the work of 'Operation Fox'," noted Karner. At its start in December 2022, there were "completely different, partly dramatic images" in the border area: "Young men were apprehended in droves" and a large number of smuggler vehicles were confiscated, said the minister. "That is now largely over. The police have initiated a turnaround." Due to various measures, the numbers have now "massively decreased": "This leads to a massive relief for the population in the border area in Burgenland and throughout Austria."

"Operation Fox": Fewer Apprehensions, Fewer Arrests and Facilities

While about 74 apprehensions of refugees were recorded last week, three years ago it was 2,567 in one week - a "significant reduction," said Karner. His goal is to further push illegal migration towards zero and to "put an end" to smugglers. The number of smuggler arrests also decreased. While 166 smugglers were arrested in Hungary in 2023, according to the ministry, there were 33 in 2024 and so far twelve this year. In Burgenland, there have been three arrests so far. The number of basic care facilities also decreased.

In Nickelsdorf, for example, four tents for refugees, which were already empty, are to be dismantled soon. The container facility and a hall for police work will remain here. "Because the numbers are no reason for us to celebrate or to rest on our laurels," there is still the mandate to "continue working consistently," emphasized Karner.

Takacs: Smuggler Organizations Must Now "Readjust"

The "Operation Fox" was established in 2022 to work together with the local police on Hungarian territory against the smuggler mafia and illegal migration, said Federal Police Director Michael Takacs. Around 3,200 refugees and over 200 smugglers were stopped on Hungarian territory, according to Takacs: "We were able to stop them in advance." Austrian police officers are also deployed at the Hungarian-Serbian border or with Frontex, all with the aim of curbing illegal migration.

The Deputy State Police Director in Burgenland, Werner Fasching, also spoke of a "success story that we can now live well with." The peak was recorded in 2022 with 81,000 apprehended migrants. Currently, 40 Austrian officers are deployed in "Operation Fox." This number will be adjusted according to operational needs: "This will remain so for the foreseeable future. We will not relent," said Karner. According to Takacs, smuggling remains "brutal and challenging," but the police are now so well positioned that smuggler organizations must "readjust."

(APA/Red)

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