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Memo by Rubio approved detention of Colombian immigrant

newsJun 20, 2026191,274

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memo authorizing immigration authorities to detain Franklin Humberto Coral Garrido, the Colombian activist known as Beto Coral, after Coral publicly criticized Trump‑endorsed presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Coral in Phoenix on June 16; Rubio's memo argued Coral's political activity in the United States undermined U.S. foreign policy and justified terminating his work authorization. The memo notes Coral arrived in the United States in 2015 on a tourist visa and has a pending asylum application. This matters because using immigration enforcement against foreign political speech could deter activists from seeking protection and alter how U.S. asylum policy treats dissidents who criticize allied figures abroad.

Catherine Rampell
@crampell.bsky.social

The Trump administration detained a Colombian immigrant this week in Phoenix after he spoke out against a Trump-endorsed candidate in his home country’s upcoming presidential election. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/u...

39045d ago
Hate to Badger You...38

What utter bullshit—what Senator Moreno meant to say is that you can be politically active—but only for people we support. That's the GOP definition of 'freedom of speech'.

Joseph Finneran20

We should start carefully noting all the dirty-hands, anti-democratic, authoritarian moves by Sec. Rubio, now that the Pres. has anointed him as heir apparent.

Grumpy Zeus14

Republicans are very Third Reichy. It just a fact.

Fidelio8

We will 100% need a fund to compensate everyone who had their due process and 1st A rights trampled and spit upon by this administration.

NonViolet5

What I'm getting from this is that the US has a plan to install a puppet president in Colombia, this activist was too effective for their liking, so Rubio changed his immigration status in order to have an excuse to arrest him. Political prisoner. Rubio is following Putin's playbook to the letter.

Frank Ballinger4

Quite an uphill climb for future POTUSes to make in restoration of integrity, pride, and professionalism to the Oval Office.

youvotedforthis2.bsky.social3

It's sad that Trump is so lawless. But, those spineless little men who follow through on his orders are even worse. How do any of them expect to become president when it's clear they will not stand up for the people of this country?

Peter M. Sullivan2

<tap tap> Is this thing on?

We're Hanging by a thread2

Careful, Rubio —your fascism is showing. He's a bit more polished than the Kegbreath types —yet still a fascist punk underneath. If they run either Rubio or Vance in 2028, they're gonna be CRUSHED. #proudblue #demvoice1 #resist #resistance #RageAgainstTheRegime #bluecrew #protest #riseup

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