Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has initiated a directive for authorities to launch operations targeting migrants with irregular immigration status and foreign nationals suspected of criminal activities. In a cabinet meeting held in Barranquilla, he emphasized that coordinated efforts between police and migration authorities should commence this week. The president underscored that the focus would be on migrants involved in criminal acts, followed by those who have not regularized their immigration paperwork.
In conjunction with these immigration measures, de la Espriella announced a more aggressive stance against criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion, and smuggling. He declared that these groups would be treated as terrorists under his administration’s policies. This declaration marks a significant shift in the government’s approach towards addressing organized crime.
The proposed immigration enforcement has sparked criticism from opposition figures and human rights advocates. Concerns have been raised that such policies might undermine Colombia’s historical approach to assisting migrants, particularly those fleeing from Venezuela. With a significant number of Venezuelans residing in Colombia under irregular conditions, critics argue for a focus on regularization rather than broad deportation strategies.
The president’s statements have also ignited a debate regarding the legal terms and procedures concerning migrants in Colombia. Traditionally, Colombian law characterizes migrants without adequate documentation as being in an “irregular” situation, as opposed to labeling them “illegal.” This distinction is part of the broader discussion on how migration issues are addressed legally and socially in the country.