Colombia cracks down on undocumented foreign criminals, begins deportations

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered an immigration crackdown, directing authorities to detain undocumented foreigners convicted of crimes and begin deportation procedures this week. The hardline lawyer, who took office on August 7 after campaigning to fight crime and drug-trafficking guerrillas, made the directive clear in a security meeting in his Caribbean stronghold of Barranquilla on Sunday, saying he will not accept illegal migrants regardless of origin and that those who have not regularized their status will be deported in due course.

The order targets the large Venezuelan community in Colombia, where about 2.8 million Venezuelans lived as of June 2026, more than 527,000 of them undocumented. Previously, Colombian governments had tolerated Venezuelan migrants as victims of the crisis in Venezuela, but De la Espriella's move echoes the "America First" rhetoric of former US President Donald Trump, whom he admires, and his declaration that "Colombians first, Colombians second, Colombians third" signals a stricter nationalist stance.

For Nigerians living in Colombia without proper documentation, the policy raises the risk of detention and deportation; even those abroad should note the growing trend of hardline immigration policies in Latin America that could affect migrant treatment elsewhere. If you reside in Colombia, verify that your permits, visas or residency papers are current and keep copies accessible. Monitor official announcements from Colombia's immigration authority for exact implementation dates and procedures. Those planning to migrate should research the immigration rules of their intended destination and consider seeking legal advice to avoid unintended violations.

Will you review your immigration status now, or wait until a problem arises?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/25/new-colombian-president-announces-anti-migrant-crackdown/