Activist forced out of US after criticising Trump-aligned Colombian politician
Activist Beto Coral was detained for 30 days by US authorities after protesting against a Trump-endorsed Colombian presidential candidate in Florida. Coral alleges he was mistreated in detention before being forced to return to Colombia.
Why it matters
The case raises significant questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement, political activism, and the influence of foreign politics on US domestic policy.
Beto Coral said that during his 30 days in detention he was assaulted and deprived of food and water. Photograph: Courtesy of Beto Coral Beto Coral said that during his 30 days in detention he was assaulted and deprived of food and water. Photograph: Courtesy of Beto Coral Colombia Activist forced out of US after criticising Trump-aligned Colombian politician Beto Coral held up banners in Florida warning fellow Colombians to not vote for Abelardo de la Espriella
Prefer the Guardian on Google In the week before Colombia’s presidential election, Beto Coral, a well-known activist living in the United States, travelled to Florida to persuade fellow Colombians not to vote for the far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella.
Coral held banners outside polling stations in Miami warning that the millionaire lawyer, whose candidacy was endorsed by Donald Trump, would “help deport all of you”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in