Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Migrants Cross Poland-Belarus Border via Hidden Tunnel
A group of more than 180 people crossed the border from Belarus into Poland through a secret tunnel in the forest.
The tunnel was small, only about 1.5 meters high, so people had to crouch to go through it.
Polish border guards found the tunnel and caught around 130 of the migrants, but the rest are still missing.
This is the fourth tunnel found this year in that area.
Poland has been having problems with people crossing its border from Belarus since 2021.
Poland says Belarus and Russia are helping people cross the border to cause trouble, but Belarus and Russia say this isn't true.
Poland is building a big fence along its border to stop these crossings.
More than 180 migrants crossed into Poland through a hidden tunnel on the Belarus border.
Around 130 migrants were detained, while the rest remain missing.
The tunnel was 1.5 meters high and supported by wooden posts and metal rods.
This is the fourth tunnel discovered in the western region of Podlaskie this year.
Poland has been dealing with a migrant crisis since 2021, accusing Belarus and Russia of encouraging crossings.
- Who
- More than 180 migrants, a 69-year-old Pole, and a 49-year-old Lithuanian
- What
- Crossed into Poland through a hidden tunnel
- When
- The tunnel was discovered on Thursday, and the statement was released on Friday, December 12
- Where
- On the border between Poland and Belarus, in the western region of Podlaskie
- Why
- Poland has been experiencing a migrant crisis since 2021, with accusations of Belarus and Russia encouraging crossings
- Number of Migrants
- More than 180
- Detained Migrants
- Around 130
- Tunnel Height
- 1.5 meters (5 feet)
- Tunnel Location
- Forest on the Poland-Belarus border
- Tunnel Support
- Wooden posts and metal rods
- Detained Individuals
- A 69-year-old Pole and a 49-year-old Lithuanian
- Border Fence Completion
- Started in 2022, 180km long
- Tunnel Discoveries in 2023
- Fourth tunnel discovered in the western region of Podlaskie