Deported Colombian's Message to Potential Migrants: 'Don't Leave'
A woman who was just deported to Colombia with her young child is now in Bogotá. She's asking her fellow Colombians to think again about moving to the United States.
She has taken on many migrants.
"Don't leave, don't leave, because everyone is being deported," she said.
Why It Matters
Two Colombian Air Force planes carrying deportees from the US landed at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá on Tuesday, following a weekend confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
A representative from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the flights carried 201 Colombian citizens, consisting of men, women, and children. The first flight, which departed from El Paso, had 91 passengers: 46 were men and 45 were women. The second flight, originating from San Diego, transported 110 individuals, including 62 men, 32 women, and 16 minors.
What To Know
The experience of deportees after returning to their home country can be quite challenging, marking them with pronounced emotional difficulties.
The woman, who arrived at the U.S. southern border recently and was detained, explained that there's been a notable change in the way the U.S. handles migration procedures. She pointed out that the country is now no longer quickly releasing immigrants who apply for asylum, which is a change from previous practices.
They won't let you go home the next day," she said. "Some people are being held for a month, and others have disappeared with no explanation.
The woman recalled her experience in U.S. custody, describing conditions that left her young child hungry. "He hasn't eaten; he's malnourished," she said, noting that they spent days without sufficient food during their detention.
Many of the deportees expressed similar thoughts.
"I was here in Colombia working a job; I'm a mechatronics engineer," Fredy Alexander told the local press on his return. After being held for 12 days, his request for asylum was turned down, and he was immediately deported back to Colombia.
Colombian authorities have confirmed that the majority of deportees on these flights have no prior criminal history.
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In 2024, Colombia received 124 deportation flights, as part of the U.S.'s expanded efforts to speed up large-scale deportations.
What People Are Saying
As part of our agreement with our U.S. partners, a special Colombian Air Force flight will depart shortly to responsibly bring back 110 Colombian citizens. We have worked tirelessly to safeguard their interests, collaborating closely with our consulates, and our top priority has been the well-being of our people, while at the same time strengthening our relationship with the United States.
People who are living in the US without proper documentation are considered criminals under this administration's view. I comprehend that the previous administration held a different perspective, which is why this shift in attitude is quite substantial. Nevertheless, stemming from a legal standpoint, they have indeed broken the law.
What Happens Next
The Colombian Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo and Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Daniel GarcÃa-Peña are planning to travel to Washington, D.C. to discuss diplomatic relations after the dispute arose.
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