Colombia’s president orders operations to identify and deport irregular migrants

Maryam Ashalem de Andres

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered authorities Monday to begin operations to identify foreigners residing in the country without legal immigration status, starting in the northern city of Barranquilla, local media reported.

“First Colombians, second Colombians and third Colombians,” De la Espriella said, outlining his administration’s approach to the issue.

During a security council meeting in Barranquilla, he instructed Migracion Colombia to coordinate the operations with the National Police and begin them this week.

The president said authorities will prioritize identifying foreigners involved in criminal activities, followed by those who are in the country without regular immigration status.

“I assume responsibility for it. I will not accept illegal migration here,” he added.

According to the government, foreigners found to be in an irregular situation will be identified and, when applicable, subject to the administrative procedures established by immigration authorities.

The plan is part of a broader security strategy announced for Barranquilla, which includes operations against extortion, drug dealing, theft and homicide, as well as measures to strengthen cooperation between security forces and other state institutions.

De la Espriella had pledged during his presidential campaign to deport foreigners who violate Colombia’s immigration laws while guaranteeing the rights of those who comply with the law.

The announcement comes as Colombia hosts about 2.84 million Venezuelan migrants, according to Migracion Colombia data cited by local media. About 82% were in regular immigration status as of January 2026, while nearly 500,000 were in an irregular situation.

The president said the policy would be implemented as both a political and administrative decision.