Flower Festival controls in Medellín: 15 foreigners denied entry, including U.S. influencer

Colombian authorities have denied entry to 15 foreigners over the past six days as part of security operations for the traditional Flower Festival in Medellín. The controls, conducted by the Metropolitan Police of Valle de Aburrá and Migración Colombia, aim to ensure safety during the festivities, which run from July 31 to August 9.

Among those denied entry was a U.S. influencer identified as a creator of the "Passport Bros" movement. This informal group primarily consists of men from the United States who travel to Medellín and other global cities seeking romantic relationships or marriage with local women, often promoting tourism with a focus on sexual exploitation. Migración Colombia's Antioquia-Chocó regional office issued an order to prevent the influencer's entry based on information linking him to promoting such tourism via digital platforms and social media.

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Based on this information and the analysis conducted by the national entity, Migración Colombia applied the administrative measure of inadmission, preventing his entry into the country and ordering his return on the next available flight, in accordance with current migratory regulations.

"Based on this information and the analysis conducted by the national entity, Migración Colombia applied the administrative measure of inadmission, preventing his entry into the country and ordering his return on the next available flight, in accordance with current migratory regulations," stated a release from the entity. The statement further emphasized, "This action is part of Migración Colombia's national strategy to combat tourism for sexual exploitation and protect girls, children, adolescents, and women against this phenomenon."

In addition to the influencer, three other U.S. citizens were denied entry for attempting to engage in tourism for sexual exploitation. These cases were identified during interviews and verification processes at the entry control points. The report indicated that in one of these cases, the individual was found to be in possession of illicit substances.

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This action is part of Migración Colombia's national strategy to combat tourism for sexual exploitation and protect girls, children, adolescents, and women against this phenomenon.