Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has directed authorities to launch operations against migrants with irregular immigration status and foreign nationals suspected of criminal activities. This initiative, outlined during a cabinet meeting in Barranquilla, aims to involve coordinated efforts between the police and migration authorities, starting this week. The primary focus will be on migrants engaged in criminal acts, followed by those who have not regularized their immigration situation.
In addition to these immigration measures, President de la Espriella has promised stricter actions against criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion, and smuggling, labeling these groups as terrorists. This stance signifies a shift towards more aggressive tactics in combating organized crime within the country.
However, the president’s new immigration policies have sparked criticism from opposition figures and human rights advocates. They argue that the approach could undermine Colombia’s previous efforts to support migrants, particularly those from Venezuela, who make up the majority of the irregular migrant population in the country. Critics advocate for a focus on regularizing the status of these migrants rather than implementing wide-scale deportation strategies.
Venezuelans have been entering Colombia in large numbers, with many living without formal documentation. This has led to a debate on the appropriate terminology and legal framework, as Colombian law typically describes such migrants as being in an “irregular” situation rather than labeling them as “illegal.”