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Colombian Conservative Lawmaker Says Son Held by ICE in Louisiana for 18 Days

President Gustavo Petro directed the embassy to provide consular assistance following the congresswoman’s appeal.

Overview

  • Ángela María Vergara says her 22-year-old son, Rafael Alonso Vergara, was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities and remains in a Louisiana detention facility.
  • She asserts he entered legally, holds a work permit and Social Security number, and has an asylum hearing scheduled for 2028.
  • Vergara alleges he has been kept in chains and describes the conditions as inhumane.
  • She requested Colombian government help to coordinate his return and to expedite humanitarian flights for nationals in similar situations.
  • Petro issued the consular order publicly on X, and the reports note no official ICE statement clarifying the case.