DEPORTATION THREAT:
Most migrants come from Venezuela, a nation that has lost one-fifth of its population over the past decade as people fled a repressive regime
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has promised to deport thousands of migrants who are in the country without residence permits, mainly Venezuelans, as he attempts to make significant changes to the nation’s immigration policies that he says will reduce crime.De la Espriella, who was sworn into office three weeks ago, said that he would order the national immigration service to conduct raids with Colombian police as early as this week. He announced the new policy in a video released on Sunday night in his X account where he spoke of multiple measures to reduce crime and confront criminal groups.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, left, and his wife, Ana Luca Pineda, right, clap during a visit to families affected by the Aug. 10 earthquake in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, on Monday.
The ultraconservative leader, who is closely aligned with US President Donald Trump, said that law enforcement would first target migrants who are “committing crimes” and then, those who are living in the country without regular status.“I will not accept any illegal immigrants, wherever they come from,” De la Espriella said in the video. “They will have to leave and be deported. It is a political decision I am taking responsibility for.”
