[REVISION HISTORY]

Colombia intensifies migration enforcement and expulsions

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-18 22:51 UTC → 2026-10-05 23:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following presidential orders, Migración Colombia has intensified enforcement actions against foreign nationals in the Santander department. Initially, six individuals were expelled from the Bucaramanga metropolitan area and San Gil for behaviors contrary to coexistence, including illegal substance use and disturbing the public peace. By mid-September, these operations expanded, resulting in the expulsion of 11 foreign nationals from Bucaramanga. These individuals were identified as repeat offenders involved in activities such as the illegal possession of sharp weapons and public disturbances. Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez reinforced this stance, stating the administration “will not tolerate foreigners who commit crimes in the city.” In response to President Abelardo de la Espriella’s directive to tighten migration controls, enforcement has extended to the border city of Cúcuta. In coordination with the National Police and the Cúcuta Secretariat of Citizen Security, authorities have expelled 10 foreigners in irregular situations. Among those identified was an individual with an active request in Venezuela for the crime of homicide. Edwin Cardona, the Secretary of Citizen Security, clarified that measures are intended to combat crime rather than target the Venezuelan population generally. In Medellín, enforcement has escalated with the expulsion of 17 Venezuelan nationals with criminal records, including individuals wanted in Venezuela for aggravated theft, homicide, and kidnapping. One individual was also identified as a fraudster who used religious clothing to solicit money under the guise of being a priest. These operations coincide with broader law enforcement efforts, such as a recent crackdown in the La Minorista sector that dismantled a smuggling and counterfeit ring. ~~These heightened enforcement trends have created significant anxiety among migrant populations, particularly Venezuelan nationals, many of whom are attempting to regularize their legal status~~ On October 5, 2026, Medellín authorities conducted a joint operation with Migración Colombia and the National Police to ~~avoid deportation.~~ expel nine additional Venezuelan citizens.

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