Colombia orders migrant deportations

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in three weeks ago, announced a major shift in immigration policy, vowing to deport thousands of migrants without residence permits, primarily Venezuelans. In a video posted on his X account, he ordered the national immigration service and police to conduct raids starting this week, targeting migrants committing crimes first, then those without legal status. This marks a departure from Colombia's previous approach of protecting and integrating Venezuelan migrants. Around 2.8 million Venezuelans live in Colombia, with about 2.3 million holding temporary permits from a 2021 scheme. Migrant advocacy groups and representatives expressed concern, noting that new Venezuelan arrivals, including those displaced by June earthquakes, face closing doors. Colombia — Colombia Migration stated it will implement the policies once a new director is appointed.