Colombia’s De la Espriella Launches Immediate Migrant Deportation Drive in Barranquilla
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered immediate joint police and migration operations to detain and deport individuals in irregular status or involved in crime, starting in Barranquilla. The move, announced just two weeks into his term, echoes US-style 'Colombians first' rhetoric and targets the 848,000 Venezuelans currently in irregular status. Critics warn the policy lacks legal basis and sufficient agency staff, while the administration frames it as a necessary security measure amidst ongoing post-earthquake recovery.