U.S. Government Stance
The Trump administration has upheld the detention of Colombian activist Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, commonly known as Beto Coral. This follows accusations from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who alleged the arrest was politically influenced. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security explained that Coral-Garrido entered the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa in December 2015, intended for a six-month stay, but remained for ten years longer.
On June 16, ICE arrested Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, an illegal alien from Colombia,” the spokesperson said. “Coral-Garrido entered the country in December 2015 on a B1/B2 visa that would allow him to stay in the country for six months. In violation of our nation’s laws, he overstayed his visa for 10 years. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The spokesperson noted that Coral-Garrido could expedite his departure by using the CBP Home App.
Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.
Political Reactions
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno commented on the situation, insisting that one cannot claim asylum while opposing U.S. government interests.
You can’t come to the United States, claim asylum, and then act as a foreign agent to that very government while simultaneously undermining our foreign policy,” Moreno wrote. “Have a nice life back in Colombia Beto!
About Beto Coral
Beto Coral, a lawyer and activist from Medellin, gained attention both for his familial connections and his political activities. His father, a Colombian police captain, was killed after helping track Pablo Escobar. Coral penned a book on his father’s murder and became a prominent supporter of President Petro and the Historic Pact movement, gaining a significant online following.
Residing in Arizona and working as an Uber driver, Coral recently traveled to Miami. Journalist Daniel Coronell reported Coral’s visit aimed to sue presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and campaign against him, including flying a Miami banner accusing de la Espriella and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of corruption.
Political Response from Colombia
Colombian President Petro confirmed Coral’s detention during a cabinet meeting and instructed Colombia’s Foreign Ministry to pursue his release. Petro described the arrest as political persecution and linked it to Colombia’s presidential runoff election.
The Foreign Ministry has to demand his freedom, because this is a political persecution fabricated by the candidate of the United States, a citizen of the United States, and the victim a citizen of Colombia,” Petro said, referring to candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who received Trump’s endorsement ahead of the runoff.
Upcoming Colombian Elections
Colombia’s presidential runoff is set for June 21. Candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing outsider and criminal lawyer, won the first round on May 31 with 43.7% of votes, surpassing his opponent’s 40.9%. As neither achieved over 50%, they will face off in the runoff. De la Espriella advocates for closer ties with Trump’s administration regarding security and counternarcotics policies, whereas Cepeda, Petro’s preferred successor, supports a more independent foreign policy. The winner will be inaugurated on August 7, as Petro cannot pursue another term.