Colombian Activist Beto Coral Denounces Political Persecution After U.S. Detention

Colombian activist Franklin Humberto Coral, known online as Beto Coral, alleges his recent detention by U.S. immigration authorities is a politically motivated persecution. Coral, who has resided in the United States since 2015 with a pending asylum request, stated he has never committed any crimes in the country.

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To Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I say: I am not a criminal. I am the son of the highest-ranking officer in the Colombian National Police, Humberto Coral Caballero, an officer trained by the DEA who gave his life in the fight against drug trafficking.

In a statement on social media platform X, Coral addressed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting, "I am not a criminal. I am the son of the highest-ranking officer in the Colombian National Police, Humberto Coral Caballero, an officer trained by the DEA who gave his life in the fight against drug trafficking."

Coral explained that he legally entered the U.S. on December 25, 2015, and applied for political asylum in March 2016, following recommendations from U.S. officials and within legal timelines. He claims to have held work permits, a Social Security number, and other necessary documents for over a decade without violating U.S. law.

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I entered the United States legally on December 25, 2015, and in March 2016, I applied for political asylum on the recommendation of U.S. officials, within the deadlines established by law.

The activist suggested his detention might be connected to a complaint he filed earlier in June against far-right Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Coral had accused De la Espriella of illegally recording a phone call. Coral stated he was arrested on June 16 without immediate explanation, noting that De la Espriella had publicly predicted his arrest just two hours prior.

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I have had work permits, a Social Security number, and other required documents to remain in the country for over a decade.

Coral also refuted accusations linking him to the current Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro, emphasizing that his asylum request predates Petro's administration by six years. He denied being an agent, official, or contractor for the current government. Colombian President Petro had previously demanded information from his U.S. counterpart regarding Coral's whereabouts, denouncing the situation as potential political persecution. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, however, has described Coral as an "illegal alien" who overstayed his visa, while his family maintains his asylum claim has been pending for a decade.

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I expressed myself, as I have done all my life, against injustices and against what I consider wrong, exercising my right to freedom of expression.