During a Security Council meeting held in the city of Barranquilla, the president stated that he had ordered the migration authority to launch operations—coordinated with the police—to locate illegal immigrants.

“First, those committing crimes; second, those who are not—those who have not regularized their status—will eventually have to be deported. It is a presidential order that must be implemented this very week,” he said.

De la Espriella declared that he would not accept illegal immigrants—regardless of where they come from—who are accused of “misdeeds.”

“They’ll leave Colombia, and we’ll deport them. It is a political decision—I take responsibility for it—and it is an administrative decision. I take responsibility for it,” the leader asserted.

The announcement, which some analysts view as a carbon copy of the policy implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump, has the potential to spark panic among a segment of the Venezuelan community residing illegally in Colombia.

According to figures from the migration authority, approximately 481,000 natives of the Bolivarian Republic remain undocumented on Colombian soil.

During the announcement, the head of state also outlined his nationalist principles.

“Colombians first, Colombians second, and Colombians third. Let that be clear,” he exclaimed.

jdt/ga/ifs