Barranquilla tightens security ahead of Marco Rubio visit, but details remain secret

Barranquilla woke on Monday under tight secrecy over the security arrangements for Marco Rubio’s visit. The U.S. secretary of state is due to arrive on Tuesday to meet Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.

U.S. agents are coordinating Rubio’s movements and protection on the ground. Neither the White House nor Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed his exact arrival time, whether he will spend the night in the city, or whether his delegation will visit locations such as the Gran Malecón. Sources close to the mayor’s office have not ruled out such a visit, but say the decision rests with the U.S. security team and Colombia’s presidency.

The city has publicly confirmed only the traffic operation. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities will close carreras 55 and 56 between calles 74 and 76, as well as calle 75 between carreras 54 and 57, in northern Barranquilla. Drivers using calle 75 south to north will have to take carrera 52 to calle 74. Traffic on carreras 55 and 56 will be diverted through carreras 54 and 57, or carreras 54 and 58, depending on direction. Officials also announced operations along alternative routes and urged residents to follow official channels.

Rubio and De la Espriella will meet at the presidential venue inside the Paraíso Battalion. Colombia’s foreign minister Omar Bula Escobar, ambassador to the United States María Consuelo Araújo and ambassador to the United Nations Mauricio Gaona are also expected to attend. The formal agenda covers trade, regional security and the fight against drug trafficking, while the logistical and security details remain out of public view.