Colombia’s new president faces backlash over ‘inhumane’ deportation policy
Summary
Colombia’s new President Abelardo de la Espriella has announced a plan to deport foreign nationals living illegally in the country, mainly targeting Venezuelan migrants. This policy marks a change from previous governments, which aimed to provide legal options for migrants fleeing Venezuela’s crisis, and has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and migrant groups.Key Facts
- President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police to start deporting illegal foreign nationals in Colombia.
- The policy mainly affects Venezuelan migrants, the largest migrant group in Colombia with about 2.8 million people.
- Nearly 2 million Venezuelans hold temporary protection permits, while around 500,000 live in Colombia without legal permission.
- De la Espriella plans to first deport foreigners involved in crimes, then those without regularized status.
- Opposition politicians describe the policy as xenophobic and argue it may be more about politics than security.
- Some say the long and porous border makes deportations ineffective because people can return easily.
- De la Espriella has aligned himself with right-wing leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, who also promoted strict deportation policies.
- The policy contrasts with past Colombian governments, which tried to support Venezuelan migrants legally.
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