Colombia crime crackdown and public safety

On 28 July 2026, Colombia’s National Police launched a large-scale operation in Fundación, Magdalena, targeting extortion gangs. Coordinating with the GAULA anti-extortion unit, officers conducted vehicle checks and background verifications. Police commander Alexander Martín Eljadue stated the unit would pursue suspects until they are brought to justice, encouraging the public to use the slogan “Yo no pago, yo denuncio” when reporting crimes.

In Medellín, the mayor’s office established “Task Force Medellín 2026” to protect the Feria de las Flores and Colombiamoda events. This inter-agency team, including the FBI, HSI, and Interpol, focuses on patrolling tourist zones and preventing sexual violence against vulnerable groups. To further combat child sexual exploitation and cybercrimes, Mayor Federico Gutiérrez scheduled meetings with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials in Phoenix, Arizona. Gutiérrez noted that collaboration with HSI has contributed to an 1,100% increase in arrests of foreigners linked to such crimes.

Security outcomes remain mixed across urban centers. While Medellín’s deployment of 101 surveillance cameras helped reduce personal theft in the Villanueva district by 68%, homicides in that area rose, and theft in Guayaquil surged by 90%. In Yopal, the relocation of homeless residents to Carrera 33 coincided with a spike in robberies and assaults, leading to calls for a city-wide CCTV network.

Additionally, in Barranquilla, Mayor Alejandro Char met with the Justice Minister to address rising violence and contract killings. Officials pledged a zero-tolerance policy toward extortion organized from prisons and announced plans for a local Police Sub-directorate to bolster urban security.