Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed concern that criticism from a Colombian immigrant towards a presidential candidate in Colombia might contradict U.S. foreign policy. Franklin Humberto Coral Garrido, a progressive influencer known widely as Beto Coral, comes into focus.

The Trump administration detained Coral in Phoenix after his public opposition towards a candidate endorsed by President Trump in Colombia’s presidential election. Coral has been open about his support for Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, a leftist who has historically clashed with Trump. He has criticized Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing candidate supported by Trump.

On Tuesday, immigration authorities arrested Coral, the same day Rubio released a memo labeling him as deportable from the United States. This memo noted Coral’s entry into the U.S. in 2015 on a tourist visa and his pending asylum request. Rubio stated that Coral has been politically active in the U.S. in favor of the Petro administration and against a presidential candidate in Colombia.

“Allowing Coral Garrido to remain in the United States contradicts U.S. foreign policy interests in Colombia’s democratic processes,” Rubio wrote. He warned that foreign nationals might misuse U.S. platforms for politically motivated campaigns without facing consequences.

Rubio has utilized his position to influence deportation efforts targeting immigrants, including those with permanent residency. His previous memos have recommended deportations based on claims of undermined foreign policy, particularly for individuals protesting Israeli policies. Among such cases was Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student apprehended last year by immigration authorities.