Colombian political activist Beto Coral was arrested yesterday by ICE and is awaiting possible deportation from the United States. Credit: @Betocoralg / X.com. Political activist, attorney, and former Colombian congressional candidate Beto Coral was detained in Arizona by U.S. immigration agents, in a case that quickly generated repercussions in Colombia due to his public profile and active participation in the national political debate. The information was initially disclosed by journalist Daniel Coronell, who said he had spoken with Coral minutes before the procedure carried out by U.S. immigration authorities. The detention comes at a highly sensitive political moment in both Colombia and the United States and just days before the presidential elections in the South American country. Although U.S. authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the action, the case has sparked multiple reactions among both supporters and critics of the activist, who for years has carried out his political and media activities from U.S. territory. Related: Claims in Colombia Link Marco Rubio to Beto Coral’s US Arrest. Colombian activist and former congressional candidate Beto Coral detained by ICE According to Daniel Coronell through his social media accounts, Beto Coral contacted him while agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were carrying out the procedure to arrest him in Arizona. The journalist indicated that the activist was accompanied by his minor son at the time of the intervention. Coronell later released a video showing the moment Homeland Security Investigations agents carried out the arrest. According to the information provided by the journalist, Coral would have two immediate options within the immigration process: appeal the decision before an immigration judge or opt for a voluntary departure mechanism, commonly known as self-deportation. Coronell also reported that the child remained in his mother’s care and was not exposed to any situation of risk. So far, there has been no official communication detailing the specific reasons for the procedure. Nor has it been reported whether there is a final removal order or whether the case is only beginning a phase of judicial review within the U.S. immigration system. Franklin Humberto Coral Garrido, publicly known as Beto Coral, was born in Medellin 40 years ago and became a recognized figure in Colombian political activism through social media, digital platforms, and opinion forums. For years, he has maintained intense activity as a content creator, political commentator, and whistleblower of alleged acts of corruption involving different sectors of power in Colombia. Coral also formally entered electoral politics by running for the Colombian Congress through the international constituency linked to the ruling Historic Pact movement. His name has been associated with left-wing positions and consistent support for the policies promoted by President Gustavo Petro, as well as strong criticism of sectors aligned with Uribismo and the Colombian opposition. One of the most widely known aspects of his personal history is the death of his father, Captain Humberto Coral Caballero, who participated in operations against Pablo Escobar and was killed when Beto was a child. That episode profoundly marked his public trajectory and was later recounted in an autobiographical book in which he reconstructs his search for answers about the crime. Atención: El activista colombiano @Betocoralg me llamó hace unos minutos para decirme que agentes de inmigración de @ICE lo están arrestando en este momento en Arizona, aparentemente con la intención de deportarlo. Está con su hijo que es menor de edad pic.twitter.com/sjlaGQdc4Y — Daniel Coronell (@DCoronell) June 17, 2026 What activities does Coral carry out in the US? Beto Coral has lived in the United States since 2015, after going into exile due to threats associated with his activism and with the investigation into the murder of his father, who, as a police officer, was part of the Search Bloc that ended Pablo Escobar’s life in 1993. He was assassinated just five months after the drug lord’s downfall, in April 1994. During these more than ten years on U.S. soil, Coral has maintained intense activity on social media, but also in the legal field, notably through his complaint against former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. From the United States, he ran for the House of Representatives seat representing Colombians abroad under the Broad Front banner, but his proposals, linked to consular reforms and support for migrants, did not receive enough backing for him to be elected. More recently, Coral also led a protest against opposition candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, reminding him of his role as defense attorney for David Murcia Guzman, the leader of the DMG pyramid scheme fraud. According to reports, the activist went this week to the polling location at the University of Miami to participate in the Colombian presidential elections, for which overseas voting began last Monday. Coral explained that his presence at the site was motivated by his determination to monitor how the presidential elections were being conducted. In recent months, Beto Coral—wearing dark glasses—has participated in various events denouncing the activities of Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella. Credit: @Betocoralg / X.com. Coral and a potential deportation scenario Coral’s political activity has been surrounded by controversy. At various times, he has faced criticism over statements made on social media and accusations directed at figures in Colombian public life. Despite those controversies, Coral has managed to build a significant digital audience. His broadcasts, interviews, and political commentary have achieved wide circulation among sectors aligned with Colombian progressivism, making him one of the most visible voices of that ideological spectrum on social media. The main uncertainty now revolves around Coral’s immigration future. According to information released by Coronell, the activist will be able to file appeals before immigration judicial authorities in an attempt to reverse any removal measure. The process could last weeks or even months depending on the administrative and judicial decisions that are adopted. Meanwhile, the case adds to the growing debate over current immigration policies implemented by the U.S. government and their effects on thousands of foreign nationals residing in the country. Beto Coral’s situation will continue to be closely watched both by his supporters and by the political sectors that for years have engaged in strong confrontations with him in Colombia’s public arena. Este es el momento en que agentes de Homeland Security Investigations arrestan a @Betocoralg. Tendrá la posibilidad de apelar la decisión ante un juez o de optar por la auto deportación. Su hijo está seguro con su mamá. pic.twitter.com/HwnhMhsr2j — Daniel Coronell (@DCoronell) June 17, 2026