AGP Executive Report

Colombia’s Budget Crunch: President Abelardo De la Espriella’s 2027 budget bill hits Congress at 634.9 trillion pesos, with deficits projected at 7.2% of GDP in 2026 and up to 9.4% in 2027—worse than expected—raising talk of a financing package that could include the IMF. Religion vs. the State: A Bogotá judge ordered the president’s Casa de Nariño priest delegate to apologize after ruling De la Espriella violated religious neutrality at his inauguration, reigniting debate over church influence in public power. Security Reset: Colombia signals a tougher line again as U.S. Southern Command chief Francis Donovan meets Colombian defense leadership in Tumaco, alongside reports of renewed offensive operations against armed groups. Earthquake Aftermath: UN partners say about 1.2 million people need urgent help after western Colombia’s quake, with $148.1 million requested for food, shelter, health, water, and protection. Wildfires in Cundinamarca: Fire departments report 16 forest fires in 24 hours, burning 285.5 hectares so far, with hot spots still active. Regional Mobility: LATAM resumes the Bogotá–Caracas route from Sept. 4 with three weekly flights, as Venezuela’s airport reopens. IndyCar Talk in Barranquilla: Mayor Alejandro Char claims a 2028 IndyCar race is set; IndyCar says talks are only at the due-diligence stage. Legal/Justice Spotlight: A Colombian priest’s university role is also under scrutiny amid claims of a family link to the president, which the Presidency denies.

Security & Peace Process: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella says he’s ending the Total Peace track, ordering extraditions of five senior rebel commanders and pushing a tougher state-led security approach, while analysts warn the real-world impact is still unclear. FARC Dissidents Under Pressure: In Guaviare, the government announced a bombing operation targeting FARC dissidents, with at least eight killed, as it frames the campaign as going on the offensive. Extraditions & U.S. Linkages: Colombia also moved to extradite rebel leaders to the United States, signaling a sharper alignment with Washington on organized crime and drug trafficking. Violence Despite Peace Accord: A new Ombudsman-linked report says massacres have surged again, with FARC dissidents operating across hundreds of municipalities and 2019-2026 figures showing a grim rise in killings. Immigration Crackdown: De la Espriella’s administration is also pushing immigration raids and deportations, while a U.S. court recently struck down a broad immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Colombia. Bogotá Public Life: Rock al Parque returns for its 30th edition (Oct. 10-12) with a free, multi-country lineup. Tech & Youth Safety (U.S. spillover): Meta agreed to a landmark teen safety settlement, requiring major design changes to Facebook/Instagram and independent age verification—likely to shape broader policy debates.

Security & Justice: President Abelardo de la Espriella formally ends Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” and resumes U.S. extraditions for five armed-group negotiators, arguing peace can’t be a cover for impunity. Counterinsurgency: In Guaviare, the armed forces carried out strike operations against FARC dissidents, with the president citing eight killed and weapons seized. Humanitarian Response: Colombia continues earthquake recovery after the Aug. 10 quake, with U.S. humanitarian aid reported at $26.5 million and major celebrity donations (including Beyoncé and Shakira) aimed at rebuilding schools and supporting victims. Immigration Politics (U.S.-Colombia link): The U.S. pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide amid new screening training, leaving applicants stranded while courts have recently struck down parts of earlier visa restrictions. Public Institutions & Rights: The government appoints D’Mar Cordoba Salamanca to lead Colombia’s National Center for Historical Memory, sparking backlash over his views on the armed conflict and the 2016 peace process. Culture in Bogotá: Rock al Parque announces its 2026 lineup for Oct. 10–12, reaffirming the city’s role as a regional hub for music and public events.

Security & Immigration Crackdown: Colombia’s new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered Migración Colombia and police to launch coordinated raids to identify undocumented foreigners, starting with people accused of crimes and then those without regular status, while also moving to treat all armed groups under a single “terrorist” label. Prison Ships Plan: De la Espriella also renewed a push for maximum-security “mega-prisons,” including converting naval vessels into offshore prison ships to isolate top criminal leaders. U.S.-Colombia Anti-Drugs Push: A U.S. Southern Command general visited Bogotá to discuss joint operations against narco-traffickers under the Shield of the Americas framework. Earthquake Response: After a 7.4 quake in Chocó, UN agencies reported tens of thousands receiving aid and warned the humanitarian plan is only partly funded, as artists and celebrities—including Beyoncé and Shakira—pledged millions for food, housing, and school rebuilding. Wildfires Under El Niño: Authorities reported 18 active wildfires across four departments, with Tolima hardest hit and arrests tied to suspected criminal activity. Economy Watch: Colombia’s central bank chief said inflation models point toward the 3% target by mid-2028, while fiscal-rule compliance remains unlikely soon. Public Health Policy: Lawmakers launched a campaign to eliminate Colombia’s “healthy tax” on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, arguing it pressures small shops without delivering expected health gains.

Earthquake Response: Colombia’s Aug. 10, 7.4 quake death toll rose to 331, with 240 still missing and 406,273 people registered as affected across 494 municipalities in 16 departments, as UNGRD reported major damage to homes and key services. International Aid: Canada pledged CAD 2.0 million (about US$1.45m) for food, emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation via WFP and Canadian Lutheran World Relief, while celebrity donations also flowed in, including Beyoncé’s US$1m for food and housing supplies through partners. Security Policy: President Abelardo de la Espriella moved to harden Colombia’s approach to crime, declaring all illegal armed and criminal groups “terrorists,” and ordering immigration raids targeting people without legal status, with deportations framed as a “political decision.” Bogotá Governance: The Casa de Nariño will again serve as the presidential seat in Bogotá, reversing an earlier plan to shift the presidency to the San Carlos Palace. Regional Context: The U.S. announced another Caribbean strike killing four on a suspected drug boat, as it continues a broader anti-cartel campaign in Latin America.

Immigration Crackdown in Colombia: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered coordinated operations to identify irregular migrants, prioritize deportations of people accused of crimes, and then remove those without regular status—while also folding all illegal armed groups into a single “terrorist” category, a shift that critics say blurs legal distinctions. US Visa Policy Tightening: The Trump administration paused immigrant visa applications worldwide, with State Department consular officers trained to assess whether applicants could become dependent on US public benefits; some embassies rescheduled interviews after receiving emails. US Military Strikes in the Caribbean: US Southern Command said it struck a suspected drug-smuggling “go-fast” boat in the Caribbean, killing four; it released no proof of drugs and rights groups have condemned the campaign as extrajudicial. Colombia’s Electoral Governance: Colombia’s Congress elected the nine magistrates of the National Electoral Council (CNE) for 2026–2030, with left-wing forces winning only two seats amid internal party friction. Earthquake Recovery in Colombia: Pereira’s Matecaña airport resumed flights after the Aug. 10 quake, and aid efforts continue, including a recycled-plastic home delivered in Chocó in record time. Human Rights and Security: A report says social media platforms helped armed groups recruit children in Colombia, while another story highlights a Tolima operation targeting “warlock” networks accused of running fraudulent visa schemes.

Natural Gas Outlook: A fossil-fuel-friendly turn, new offshore discoveries, and added regasification capacity are lifting expectations for Colombia’s gas sector. Wildfires in Tolima: Tolima’s governor says criminal groups may have deliberately set fires that have burned nearly 30,000 hectares, citing videos of men on motorcycles and gasoline use, with President Abelardo de la Espriella urging investigations and seeking U.S. and Chile support. Security & Migration Crackdown: De la Espriella ordered police and immigration to identify and deport migrants without legal status starting in Barranquilla, while a new security strategy will treat all illegal armed groups as terrorist organizations and expand anti-extortion and financial disruption tools. Peace Process Backslide: Colombia suspended regional programming of “Peace Stations” under the 2016 accord, with only the fully implemented part left—prompting criticism from the Ombudsman. Earthquake Response: The Aug. 10 quake death toll rose to 331 as UNGRD reports hundreds missing and major housing destruction; PAHO/WHO is supporting health recovery. Public Media Overhaul: The government launched a plan to depoliticize Inravisión, ending news/opinion blocks and auditing contracts. Human Rights & Children: HRW says Facebook and TikTok recommendation systems have helped armed groups recruit children, even when content is removed after flags. Political Power: Congress is set to elect magistrates to the National Electoral Council, a vote that could strengthen right-wing control. Controversy & Safety: Journalist Naylea Barros was shot in Santa Marta after months of threats; a separate uproar erupted over an alleged music video filmed amid earthquake rubble in Pereira.

Earthquake Recovery: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed to 331 as UNGRD updated figures to 4,439 injured and 240 missing, with 361,353 people affected across 494 municipalities; President Abelardo de la Espriella formally kicked off reconstruction in Chocó, saying rebuilding will be “safer” and “better,” and announcing initial delivery of 4,480 tons of materials plus a major financing push. Reconstruction Aid: The government launched a three-month “Miracle Fund” subsidy for quake-hit families—875,452 pesos per month—starting Aug. 26, amid criticism over whether it covers real living costs. Immigration Crackdown: In Barranquilla, De la Espriella ordered police and Migración Colombia to begin this week identifying and deporting irregular migrants, prioritizing people tied to crime first, then those without regular status; the policy is expected to hit the large Venezuelan population. Security Policy Shift: The president also framed the crackdown as part of a broader “security axis,” including tougher action against terrorism and drug trafficking. Armed Groups & Children: Human Rights Watch warned that armed groups are increasing child recruitment, pointing to social media tactics and an ineffective state response, with dissident groups and Cauca highlighted. Wildfires: El Niño-linked wildfires remain active, with Tolima the hardest hit as authorities report ongoing blazes and urgent calls for aerial support. International Pressure on Drug War: Questions were raised about a new Australian Federal Police anti-drugs taskforce in Colombia and whether it could feed into U.S. air strikes against suspected trafficking vessels.

Deportation Crackdown: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered immigration authorities to detain undocumented foreigners convicted of crimes and begin deportation procedures “this week,” signaling a tougher line on irregular migration. Child Recruitment & Drone Warfare: Human Rights Watch says armed groups are increasingly recruiting children—often via social media—and training them to operate explosives-laden drones, while Colombia’s defenders’ office reports dozens of drone attacks in early 2026. Petro’s Son Case: Fresh controversy surrounds the Nicolas Petro prosecution, with a former prosecutor alleging pressure to drop money-laundering charges; the Attorney General’s office denies any coercion. U.S. Maritime Counter-Narcotics: The U.S. Southern Command reported another eastern Pacific strike killing two suspected traffickers, as Washington expands joint operations with regional partners. Bogotá Tech Agenda: Medellín is set to host the first Artificial Intelligence Week in the Americas (INMERXIA) in November, aiming to connect public officials, researchers, and businesses. Economy Watch: The Colombian peso kept strengthening, pushing the dollar to levels not seen since 2018, boosting importers but worrying exporters. Environment & Security: Tolima wildfires have burned over 30,000 hectares, and authorities are investigating whether criminal groups deliberately set some fires.

Earthquake Recovery, Private Sector: President Abelardo de la Espriella met top business leaders in Barranquilla to speed rebuilding after the Aug. 10 quake, securing commitments to lower mortgage rates for victims and to plan a longer-term recovery visit to Chocó. Human Rights Watch, Armed Groups: Human Rights Watch warns that child recruitment by Colombia’s armed groups is rising, driven by poverty and exclusion, and says the new administration should adopt a stronger security-and-justice approach to protect, rescue, and prosecute. Security Crackdown: The new government reports early results against drug trafficking: 12.3 tons of cocaine, 11.2 tons of marijuana seized, 1,574 arrests, and 162 drug-linked facilities dismantled in its first 15 days. International Courts, Immigration: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Brazil and Colombia, calling it “patently unlawful.” US-Colombia Security Link: A “security pact” is reported to authorize expanded US military operations in Colombia, raising sovereignty concerns. Diplomacy, Israel-Golan: US envoy Tom Barrack walked back earlier comments on the Golan, while Colombia’s right-wing government continues backing Israel’s claim. Humanitarian Aid, China: China delivered about 80 tons of earthquake relief supplies to Bogotá, including generators, water purification, tents, and solar lighting.

Drug War Update: Colombia’s new government says that in its first 15 days it seized 12.3 tons of cocaine and 11.2 tons of marijuana, arrested 1,574 people, and dismantled 162 drug-trafficking facilities—an early push to tighten security and hit logistics. Earthquake Relief & Politics: After the Aug. 10 quake, a major fundraising push is underway in Bogota and abroad, with the latest UNGRD figures cited at 329 deaths, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, alongside massive housing damage and displacement. Foreign Policy Shift: President Abelardo de la Espriella’s administration has resumed thermal coal exports to Israel, reversing Petro-era restrictions and framing the change as ending “ideological” trade barriers. US Legal Clash With Colombia in the Mix: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s blanket immigrant-visa suspension for 75 countries as “patently unlawful,” affecting applicants including Colombians and limiting the State Department’s ability to block visas by nationality. Regional Security Cooperation: A reported US-Colombia agreement would allow US military operations in Colombia under a drug-fighting and hemispheric security pact, immediately feeding domestic sovereignty debate.

US Courts & Immigration: A Manhattan federal judge, Jeannette Vargas, struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority; the ruling orders case-by-case review and affects countries including Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and others. Colombia Earthquake Response: President Abelardo de la Espriella says private-sector contributions for quake reconstruction have topped 2 trillion pesos (about $651m), with major pledges from leading business families; meanwhile, the government’s latest toll puts deaths at 329 with thousands injured and missing. Humanitarian Aid: China delivered about 80 tonnes of earthquake relief to Colombia, including tents, water purification and generators, to support affected departments. Foreign Policy & Trade: Colombia authorized a restart of coal exports to Israel, reversing Petro-era restrictions, while more than 40 lawmakers condemned the government’s recognition of Morocco’s Western Sahara position. Regional Security: Iran claims victory over the US as France and Saudi Arabia discuss bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, amid continued strikes in Syria. Bogotá Sports/Politics: Ghana’s football federation says it’s in talks to appoint the next Black Stars coach after Carlos Queiroz talks reportedly stalled.

US Immigration Courts: A Biden-appointed federal judge in Manhattan, Jeannette Vargas, struck down Trump’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and ruling Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his legal authority by directing consular officers to deny visas based on nationality rather than individual “public charge” assessments; the ruling could reopen case-by-case processing for affected applicants, including Colombians. Middle East Diplomacy: Egypt pushed for renewed US-Iran talks amid rising regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s president said the world has accepted Iran’s “victory” over the US; separately, Israel carried out fresh strikes in Syria and Gaza. Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: Colombia’s quake response continues to collide with safety and legal constraints as courts have ordered pauses on demolitions of earthquake-damaged buildings where people might still be trapped, while the death toll has climbed to 329 and hundreds of thousands remain affected. Bogotá/Local Governance & Oversight: The government is also facing legal and political pressure tied to earthquake-era decisions, including scrutiny of how public spending and emergency measures are being handled. International Relations (Colombia): Colombia’s shift on the Golan Heights—recognizing Israel’s claim—has drawn diplomatic ripples, including conflicting remarks from a US envoy.

Colombia Earthquake Response: The UN and partners launched a second $148M appeal for Colombia after the Aug. 10 quake, saying 319 people have died, 247 are missing, and more than 31,000 homes were destroyed; the plan targets about 671,000 vulnerable people across health, shelter, food, education, protection, and WASH, on top of an existing $472M humanitarian plan that remains underfunded. Disaster Toll Update: Colombia’s disaster agency reported 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with over 1,200 animals rescued and tens of thousands of homes fully destroyed or heavily damaged. Peace Process Under Pressure: Opposition leader Iván Cepeda says he will file a tutela after the government suspended programming at 20 Emisoras de Paz, arguing it violates rights to information and the peace agreement’s commitments. International Legal Clash: A US judge struck down a Trump-era policy suspending immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries (including Colombia), ruling it exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority and violated federal immigration law. Climate/El Niño Impact: FEDEGAN estimates El Niño has already killed 9,865 cattle and forced relocation of 333,000+ animals, with major losses across 15 departments. Bogotá/Regional Culture: Medellín announced its 20th International Book and Culture Festival (Sept. 11–20), with free entry and South Korea as guest of honor.

Earthquake Response: Colombia thanked Türkiye for humanitarian aid after the Aug. 10 quake, including food, blankets, and medicine, as the government keeps expanding emergency measures. Disaster Toll & Emergency Powers: Colombia declared a state of emergency in quake-hit areas and revised the death toll upward, with reconstruction costs now pegged around US$12 billion. Governance & Appointments: A controversy erupted after President Abelardo de la Espriella’s ex-wife was named deputy superintendent for notaries and public records, raising conflict-of-interest questions. Culture War in Schools: Colombia’s education minister says a “woke” campaign has infiltrated sex education, prompting a review of materials and a renewed fight over parental rights. Security & Drug War: Ecuador and the U.S. conducted joint operations against drug cartels near Colombia’s border, boosting maritime interdiction capacity. Local Tragedy: An illegal gold mine landslide in Nariño killed 13 and injured seven, underscoring the risks tied to unregulated mining. International Ties: Colombia and Israel agreed on mutual visa-free travel starting Sept. 1. Climate Pressure: Wildfires in Tolima burned about 20,000 hectares amid drought conditions linked to El Niño.

Earthquake Response: Colombia declared a 30-day state of emergency for 15 quake-hit regions after the Aug. 10 disaster, with officials citing 319 dead, 4,500+ injured and 260 missing, while UN agencies and partners ramped up aid and structural assessments. Disaster Aid & Logistics: IOM said about 282,000 people were affected, launched a $30m flash appeal, and highlighted ongoing damage checks on nearly 163,000 homes as international teams coordinate with local authorities. Security & Military: President Abelardo de la Espriella renewed Colombia’s military leadership, promising a relentless push against narcoterrorism and stronger state presence in all regions. Public Oversight: Congress elected Jorge Eliécer Laverde as comptroller general for 2026-2030, pledging “zero political persecution” and tighter monitoring of public spending. Diplomacy: Colombia and Israel agreed to mutual visa-free entry from Sept. 1, as Israel’s new ambassador Vivian Aisen began work in Bogotá. Legislation: A bill was introduced to ban surrogacy, aiming to curb “reproductive exploitation” and “reproductive tourism,” including claims tied to Bogotá clinics.