De la Espriella orders the immediate deportation of undocumented Venezuelans who commit crimes in Bogotá

Colombia's president, Abelardo de la Espriella, ordered that undocumented Venezuelan migrants who commit crimes in Bogotá be deported "without any delay".

The order

He gave it after meeting Bogotá's mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán. The instruction went to the director of Migración Colombia, José Luis Castañeda: expel undocumented Venezuelans who commit crimes or have criminal records.

According to the government, more than 148,000 undocumented Venezuelans live in Bogotá.

Expulsions have already happened

A day earlier, the government reported the expulsion of 27 foreigners linked to crimes. They were taken to Paraguachón, in La Guajira, on the border, to be handed over to Venezuelan authorities.

With guarantees, they say

The authorities promised technical working groups so that expulsions respect due process, meaning each person's right to defend themselves under the law.

Other measures

De la Espriella also announced monthly security councils in Bogotá and that detainees will be sent to prisons in other departments.

To learn more about the president, read [why everyone is talking about De la Espriella's hat](espriella-sombrero.html).