Colombian activist detained by ICE after visa overstay, faces deportation amid political tensions
Jun 20, 2026·Location: Miami, FL
Country of origin: Colombia

Franklin Humberto Coral-Garrido, a Colombian activist and lawyer aligned with President Gustavo Petro, was detained by ICE on June 16-17, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona while walking with his 12-year-old son. Coral entered the U.S. in December 2015 on a B1/B2 tourist visa valid for six months but remained in the country for approximately ten years. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum authorizing his detention and deportation, citing his political activities supporting Petro and opposition to right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella as harmful to U.S. foreign policy interests. Colombian President Petro accused the U.S. of political persecution timed to interfere in Colombia's June 21 presidential runoff election and demanded clarification from the Trump administration. Coral had filed an asylum application in 2016 and held work authorization through 2028 granted by a federal judge, but authorities allegedly informed him the authorization was being canceled. He has been transferred between detention facilities in Phoenix, El Paso, and Louisiana pending formal deportation proceedings.
Timeline
Sources
- Trump admin responds after Colombian president's ally detained by ICE
Newsweek·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
Yahoo News·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
- Beto Coral Detention: Documents Show Marco Rubio Signed Deportation Order
colombiaone.com·Jun 21, 2026·archived copy
- US arrests activist allied with President Gustavo Petro for violating immigration laws over the course of a decade
voz.us·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
- Colombian Activist and Former Congressional Candidate Beto Coral Detained by ICE
colombiaone.com·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
- Petro asks U.S. to clarify what happened to Beto Coral, son of the police officer who pursued Pablo Escobar
heraldousa.com·2026-6-20T10:47:00-06:00·archived copy
- Memo by Rubio Approved Detention of Immigrant Who Criticized Trump Ally
commstrader.com·Jun 20, 2026·archived copy
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