Colombian Activist’s Detention by U.S. Authorities Sparks Political Dispute

The Trump administration recently defended the detention of Colombian activist Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido after Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. authorities of a politically motivated arrest.

Detention and U.S. Response

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security stated that Coral-Garrido, known as Beto Coral, entered the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa in December 2015, allowing a six-month stay. He remained for nearly a decade beyond his visa expiration.

“On June 16, ICE arrested Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, an illegal alien from Colombia,” the spokesperson said.

The statement noted that he remains in ICE custody, awaiting removal proceedings. The U.S. encouraged Coral-Garrido to use the CBP Home App to arrange his departure voluntarily.

“Being in detention is a choice,” the spokesperson emphasized, urging all illegal residents to depart using the offered $2,600 and a complimentary flight.

Republican Response

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno commented on social media that Coral-Garrido’s asylum claim seemed contradictory to his actions against U.S. interests.

“You can’t come to the United States claiming asylum and then act against the government,” Moreno wrote.

Background on Beto Coral

Coral-Garrido, a lawyer from Medellin, is the son of a police captain killed after his role in tracking drug lord Pablo Escobar. He supports President Petro and the Historic Pact movement, gaining significant online following.

Residing in Arizona and driving for Uber, Coral-Garrido recently traveled to Miami for legal action against presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, and actively campaigned against him.

Political Reactions in Colombia

President Petro condemned the detention, describing it as political persecution. He instructed Colombia’s Foreign Ministry to secure Coral-Garrido’s release and suggested it was related to the presidential election.

Petro’s comments implied influence from a U.S.-backed candidate, presumably referring to Abelardo de la Espriella. This candidate secured support from Trump and is closely tied with the right-wing faction in the upcoming Colombian elections.

Colombian Elections Schedule

Colombia’s presidential runoff occurs on June 21. De la Espriella and his competitor Cepeda are vying for the presidency after neither gained over 50% in initial voting. The winner will be inaugurated on August 7, succeeding Petro.

De la Espriella’s platform involves aligning with the Trump administration’s security policies. In contrast, Cepeda, Petro’s endorsed candidate, seeks an independent foreign policy direction.