Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has ordered authorities to intensify action against undocumented migrants, beginning with foreigners convicted of crimes and those whose immigration status remains irregular.
Speaking at a security cabinet meeting in Barranquilla on Sunday, De la Espriella directed immigration officials to begin deportation procedures this week.
“The order to Immigration (authorities) is clear…first those who are committing crimes, second those who have not regularized their status and who will have to be deported in due course”.
He added: “I will not accept illegal migrants, no matter where they come from”, as he announced the immediate implementation of the new policy.
The hardline lawyer, who assumed office on August 7, has made tackling crime and drug-trafficking groups a key priority of his administration.
His immigration plans were temporarily delayed following a powerful earthquake on August 10 that killed more than 300 people in western Colombia and destroyed thousands of homes.
At Sunday’s meeting, De la Espriella also echoed the “America First”, approach of US President Donald Trump, whom he openly supports.
“Colombians, first, Colombians second, Colombians third, may that be clear to everyone”, he said.
Colombia is estimated to host about three million Venezuelan migrants who fled economic and political turmoil in their home country over the past decade.
