The acting president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has lashed out this Monday against the security proposal of the president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, which he has even equated with the controversial U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after criticizing its repressive approach aimed at the youth in popular neighborhoods.
"The ICE strategy has caused much pain, violence, and death in the United States. Abelardo wants to create ICE units to confront youth in the popular neighborhoods of large cities. This will only bring more violence and death," Petro pointed out on social media.
The head of state has stressed that security in urban areas has improved in most of the country's cities, with the exception of Barranquilla. "Femicide has plummeted, theft of cell phones, residences, and businesses has plummeted, kidnapping has been reduced," he highlighted.
For his part, De la Espriella has announced that on the same day he takes office as President, August 7, he will sign a decree to launch the Urban Security Defense Blocks, a device aimed at combating crimes such as extortion, homicides, and robberies.
"Responding with force in popular neighborhoods could aggravate social conflict," Petro warned. "With six mega-prisons, 30 university campuses can be built, thus reducing crime much more," he added.
Furthermore, Petro has called on his followers to participate in a mobilization called for July 20. "They shall not pass! July 20 to the streets," he appealed.