The Trump administration defended the detention of Colombian activist Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, known as Beto Coral, following accusations from Colombian President Gustavo Petro that the arrest was politically motivated.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Coral-Garrido entered the U.S. in December 2015 using a B1/B2 visa meant for a six-month stay, but remained for a decade beyond the visa’s expiration. “On June 16, ICE arrested Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, an illegal alien from Colombia,” the spokesperson said. “He overstayed his visa for 10 years. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.”
The spokesperson highlighted that detention is a choice. Coral-Garrido has the option to utilize the CBP Home App to arrange his departure. The U.S. is offering $2,600 and a free flight for illegal aliens who choose to self-deport. The United States encourages individuals here illegally to take this offer to return legally in the future. Otherwise, they risk arrest and deportation without reentry.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno criticized Coral-Garrido’s actions on X, arguing he could not seek asylum while opposing the U.S. government. “You can’t come to the United States, claim asylum, and then act against that government,” Moreno wrote. “Have a nice life back in Colombia Beto!”
Who Is Beto Coral?
Coral-Garrido is a lawyer and activist from Medellin. His father, a Colombian police captain, was killed after participating in the operation that located drug lord Pablo Escobar. Coral-Garrido has written about his father’s death and gained a significant following on platforms like X and YouTube by supporting Petro and the Historic Pact movement.
Coral-Garrido resided in Arizona, working as an Uber driver, before traveling to Miami. Colombian journalist Daniel Coronell reported that Coral-Garrido aimed to file a lawsuit against presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and campaign against him. His actions included flying a banner in Miami accusing de la Espriella and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of corruption.
President Petro confirmed the detention during a cabinet meeting, instructing Colombia’s Foreign Ministry to demand Coral-Garrido’s release. He described the arrest as political persecution. Petro claimed the U.S. previously granted Coral-Garrido asylum, speculating the case relates to Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff, implying involvement by de la Espriella, supported by Trump.
When Are the Colombian Elections?
Colombia’s presidential runoff election is scheduled for June 21. Abelardo de la Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer and right-wing candidate, led the first round with 43.7 percent against senator and Petro’s ally, Cepeda, who had 40.9 percent. With neither surpassing 50 percent, they advance to the runoff. De la Espriella supports closer U.S. alignment on security and counternarcotics, while Cepeda seeks a more independent foreign policy. The winner will be inaugurated on August 7, as current President Petro cannot seek re-election.
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