Colombia’s President De la Espriella Directs Deportation Operations Targeting Undocumented Migrants

Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has directed security forces to initiate a major crackdown on undocumented foreign residents, ordering authorities to apprehend and deport individuals living in the country without legal status or who have committed criminal acts. The announcement was made on Sunday by the millionaire former attorney, who assumed office just over two weeks ago. Echoing the enforcement rhetoric of political allies such as Donald Trump, De la Espriella stated that police and immigration operations to track down irregular migrants are scheduled to begin this week. The swift policy move coincides with widespread disaster response efforts across the country. On August 10, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, leaving more than 300 people dead and destroying upward of 30,000 homes. Despite the severe humanitarian impact and damage caused by the tremor, the administration has prioritized immediate enforcement measures against unauthorized immigration.