Migrants in Colombia fearful due to US presidential transition, says Danish Refugee Council SG

Fear and uncertainty weigh heavily on refugee migrants in Colombia, observed Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Secretary General Charlotte Slente during her visit on Monday (December 2) to a predominantly migrant community in Riohacha, a municipality in the country's north.For many, Colombia serves as a transit point, with thousands heading to the United States, other South American nations, or back to Venezuela. During her visit to an irregular migrant settlement, Slente engaged with community leaders and, alongside her team, provided aid to the migrants.“A new government (in the US) is to take office in January,” said Slente. “There could be a situation where more Venezuelans will seek refuge in neighboring countries including Colombia,” she added.According to a DCR report, Colombia continues to be the main receiving country of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, with 2.9 million. Colombia also registered a 40% increase in Venezuelan arrivals in August compared to the same period in 2023, from 81,621 to 114,566, according to the DRC report.Trump, a Republican who recaptured the White House last month, has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and criticized Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for record numbers of migrants caught illegally crossing during Biden's administration.Migrants have expressed anxiety over heightened entry challenges as Trump's administration could tighten border security and limit asylum avenues.