Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the launch of an operation to identify foreigners without legal immigration status in Colombia during a security council meeting in Barranquilla. The operation in the northern city is scheduled to begin this week.
The president asked the Migración Colombia unit to coordinate with the National Police. Authorities will first identify foreigners suspected of involvement in criminal activities and then those with irregular immigration status.
De la Espriella described his administration's priority as "Colombians first, Colombians second and Colombians third." The president said, "I take responsibility for this. I will not accept illegal immigration here."
Administrative measures for those identified
Under the government's plan, foreigners found to be in an irregular status will be registered. If deemed necessary, they will be subject to administrative proceedings determined by the immigration authorities.
The operation in Barranquilla is part of a comprehensive security strategy announced for the city. The strategy calls for operations against extortion, drug trafficking, theft and homicide, as well as increased cooperation between security forces and other government institutions.
Promise to deport during campaign
During his presidential campaign, De la Espriella said he would deport foreigners who violate Colombia's immigration laws. The president said he would guarantee the rights of migrants who comply with the law and that the policy would be implemented as a political and administrative decision.
Status of Venezuelan migrants
Colombia is home to approximately 2.84 million Venezuelan migrants. As of January 2026, around 82 percent of this group had regular immigration status. Approximately 500,000 Venezuelan migrants had irregular status.
