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Abelardo de la Espriella orders immediate crackdown on illegal immigrants to improve national security

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants, directing the national immigration authority to conduct joint operations with the police starting this week. The move marks a significant shift from previous policies that prioritized integration, as de la Espriella aims to target migrants who are committing crimes first, followed by those who living in the country without regular status. Echoing the 'America First' rhetoric of his ally, President Trump, de la Espriella adopted a 'Colombians first' approach. The policy will primarily affect the 2.8 million Venezuelans living in Colombia, of whom approximately 848,000 are currently in an irregular situation. While the administration announced the plan to prioritize security and reduce crime, critics argue that the order may be perceived as xenophobic. Opposition leaders have noted that being in an irregular status does not automatically make a person a criminal. The administration is currently seeking a new director for the migration department to oversee the implementation of the new enforcement measures.

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