Colombian immigrants brought to the International El Dorado Airport in the capital Bogota reported that they were subjected to discriminatory practices in the USA.
In the statement made on the Twitter account of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that they are in coordination with international organizations, “We brought our 209 vulnerable citizens to the country and we are helping them.” it was said.
Speaking to EFE news agency, 33-year-old Colombian Mabel said: “I planned to cross the USA to go to Canada, but I was faced with inhumane treatment at the center in Texas where they hold immigrants.” she spoke.
Colombian media reported that the US authorities accused the immigrants of smuggling cocaine and did not allow them to meet their humanitarian needs.
Another Colombian named Jerson told the press that he went to the USA to take care of his 4 children in Colombia and said, “I went there with the intention of providing a good future for my family, but I faced worse. I will not attempt to go to the USA again, I will be a carpenter in my country. ” he said.
In the statement made by the Ombudsman Office, it was stated that the necessary information was obtained from the immigrants regarding the violations of their rights and a study was started on this issue.
The extradition program of irregular immigrants with the United States was temporarily suspended
Colombia announced on May 5 that it had temporarily suspended its program for the repatriation of irregular immigrants of Colombian nationality caught at the US-Mexico border.
Colombian Immigration Agency Director Carlos Fernando Garcia said in a written statement that the government took this decision to protest the US authorities’ treatment of immigrants.