Colombia | President de la Espriella orders deportation of undocumented migrants: 'First, those who are committing crimes'

The president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, ordered joint operations to begin this very week between immigration authorities and the police to deport undocumented migrants. The president had put part of his agenda on hold following the powerful earthquake that left more than 300 dead and entire regions in a state of emergency.

Deportations: Presidential order

In a leaked video from a security council meeting held on Sunday in Barranquilla, de la Espriella set the order of priority: "The order to the immigration agency is clear ... first, those who are committing crimes, second, those whose immigration status is not in order and who, in due course, will have to be deported."

"I will not tolerate illegal immigration. Colombians first, Colombians second and Colombians third, so that it is clear to everyone," he added.

The tone left no room for ambiguity. "Deport them! This is a presidential order that must begin to be carried out this very week. I will not accept illegal immigrants, no matter where they come from." And he accepted the political cost: "It's a political decision, and I accept it. It's an administrative decision, and I accept it."