President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered an operation to locate and deport immigrants in Colombia who are in an irregular migratory status.
The move signals a shift toward stricter border controls and internal enforcement. This policy change targets the growing number of undocumented individuals while prioritizing the removal of those involved in crime.
The operation began on Aug. 24, 2024 [1]. Government officials said the initiative aims to identify individuals who have bypassed legal entry requirements or overstayed their visas. The initial phase of the operation focuses specifically on migrants who have committed crimes [2].
This enforcement strategy reflects a right-wing approach to migration. The government said the policies are intended to curb illegal immigration and maintain public safety [3]. These measures mirror policies previously championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the deportation of non-citizens who pose a risk to the state [4].
Authorities have not yet released the total number of people targeted for removal. However, the administration said the operation will continue until irregular statuses are addressed. The government is coordinating the effort to ensure that those linked to criminal activity are prioritized for immediate expulsion [2].
Local officials said the operation will involve locating individuals across various regions of Colombia. The administration has not specified the exact number of personnel deployed for these raids, but the focus remains on those without legal documentation [5].
“President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered an operation to locate and deport immigrants in Colombia who are in an irregular migratory status.”
The shift in Colombia's migration policy suggests a move away from previous regional norms of sanctuary and integration. By aligning its enforcement strategies with right-wing models, Colombia is prioritizing national security and crime reduction over the humanitarian considerations that often define Latin American migration responses. This could lead to increased tensions with neighboring countries and a rise in the number of displaced persons within the region.
