Greece Declares State of Emergency Detains 10,000 Migrants from Libya

Greece is facing a significant migrant crisis, particularly on the island of Crete, where an influx of around 10,000 migrants, mostly men from North Africa, has overwhelmed local services and infrastructure. In response, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency and suspended the processing of asylum claims for at least three months, detaining all new arrivals and planning their deportation, a move that breaks with EU asylum law and has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The shift in migration routes to Crete follows a 2023 Italy-Libya deal that redirected trafficking away from southern Italy, exacerbating pressure on Greece's southern border. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris described the situation as an “invasion” and emphasized the need for strong deterrence, warning that anyone entering illegally would be detained and returned. Local opposition to government plans for migrant camps and fears over the impact on tourism have heightened tensions, while Greece has also increased naval patrols near Libya to curb migration. Additionally, reports of Greek authorities pushing back migrants into Turkish waters highlight the harsh measures being taken in the region amid ongoing migration challenges.