Synopsis
On January 30, a Colombian Air Force plane brought back 105 deported nationals from the United States to Bogota. This marks the third flight within a week, with previous flights returning a total of 201 individuals, amid ongoing concerns regarding their treatment in the US.Key Takeaways
- A total of 105 Colombian deportees returned to Bogota.
- The flight originated from San Diego, California.
- Past flights this week brought back 201 nationals.
- Concerns raised about degrading treatment of deportees.
- US plans to detain 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay.
Bogota, Jan 30 (NationPress) A Colombian Air Force aircraft arrived in Bogota carrying 105 Colombian citizens who were deported from the United States, signifying the third such flight within this week, according to a statement from the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
The ministry indicated that the deportees arrived in the morning from San Diego, California and reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of its citizens living abroad.
On Tuesday, two earlier flights returned a total of 201 Colombian nationals, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Following Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to allow US military planes to bring in handcuffed deportees on January 26, a high-level meeting took place in Washington to establish a plan for their safe and respectful return, the ministry elaborated.
Astrid Caceres, head of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, informed the press that preliminary investigations reveal the treatment of Colombian deportees by the US has been described as degrading.
Authorities intend to investigate reports from children who claimed they were handcuffed and compelled by US officials to rise at three in the morning for cold water showers, she noted.
Furthermore, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday plans to direct the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department to establish a facility for 30,000 migrants at Guantanamo Bay, a US naval base situated in the southeastern region of Cuba.
Trump stated, “We have 30,000 beds in Guantanamo to detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. This will double our capacity immediately,” as he prepared to sign the Laken Riley Act at the White House.
The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented migrants accused of specific crimes and was passed by Congress earlier this month, representing the first significant legislation from the new administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CNN that the base could be designated for the detention of what she termed “the worst of the worst.”
During his campaign, Trump pledged to execute widespread deportations of illegal immigrants upon taking office. Following his inauguration on January 20, deportation efforts have intensified across several regions of the United States, reportedly targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds.
On a single Sunday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted nearly 1,000 arrests, with significant activity reported in the southeastern part of the country, as cited by various ICE field offices, according to Fox News.
