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Colombian asylum seeker detained by ICE, then self-deported; family left struggling in Minnesota

Feb 4, 2026 · St. Paul, MN, Colombia

Colombian asylum seeker detained by ICE, then self-deported; family left struggling in Minnesota

Cristian, a Colombian immigrant with an asylum claim, was detained by ICE agents on February 4 while heading to a new job in St. Paul. He was transferred to detention centers in Texas and Louisiana before self-deporting to Colombia. His wife Alejandra was left as the sole provider for their two young sons and is now trying to save money for plane tickets to return to Colombia, saying their experience made clear they are not welcomed in the United States.

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