Czech police crack-down on illegal immigrants in run-up to Schengen entry

The Czech police have stepped-up their drive against illegal migration as the country prepares to join the border-free Schengen zone at midnight on Thursday, said a police spokesperson. According to police data, some 4,500 illegal immigrants have been arrested since June, and more than 4,000 of them expelled. On Tuesday, Czech police launched a final operation before the country becomes part of the Schengen zone this week. The spokesperson said that the raids were a ‘message’ to illegal immigrants that the opening of borders did not spell an end to police controls, but instead signified the very opposite.

Author: Rosie Johnston