Petro Pressures Trump: Demands Answers Over Activist Beto Coral’s Disappearance After ICE Arrest

Beto Coral Disappeared After ICE Detention

Petro Pressures Trump

Whereabouts Remain Unknown

Gustavo Petro issued a direct demand to Donald Trump, asking him to report “where Alberto Coral is” after the activist was detained in Arizona, raising diplomatic tensions.

The Colombian president not only asked for clarity, but also questioned the bilateral relationship by saying: “Tell us whether we are truly partners in the fight against drug trafficking, or whether you only see us as an inferior people.”

His statements reflect broader concern over the treatment of Colombian citizens in the United States, especially in cases linked to migration and political activism.

In addition, Petro recalled the historic cost of the conflict in Colombia, saying thousands of lives have been lost in the fight against drug trafficking, which also affects U.S. society.

The Beto Coral Case: Detention, Silence, and Demands

Beto Coral ICE Detention and Disappearance – Photo: Shutterstock

Franklin Humberto “Beto” Coral was detained by ICE agents despite having a pending asylum application for years, which has generated uncertainty over his current whereabouts.

His family says that, after the arrest, they have not received clear information about his location, raising alarms over possible violations of his fundamental rights.

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Coral, who has lived in the United States since 2015, had cited death threats in Colombia related to drug trafficking as the basis for his protection request.

The case has gained relevance not only because of his immigration situation, but also because of his profile as an activist and his political positions on social media.

Petro Denounces Political Persecution and Alleged Abuses

The Colombian president went further by describing the detention as “political persecution,” linking it to the electoral context and recent complaints in the United States.

According to Petro, Coral “is now a political prisoner in the U.S.” and his arrest would be related to the support of political figures for those who have called for action against left-wing sympathizers.

He also claimed that the activist “has been detained and beaten by the U.S. government, separating him from his family,” an accusation that raises the seriousness of the case.

These statements have put the focus on possible abuses during the detention process, although so far there has been no independent public confirmation of those claims.

US President Donald Trump recently reached a peace deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran. As President of the Republic of Colombia, in this month in which the country holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, I support and respect that deal, because it means…

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 20, 2026

Conflicting Versions and Diplomatic Pressure

While the Colombian government demands explanations, the Department of Homeland Security described Coral as an “illegal alien” who violated immigration laws after his visa expired.

This version contrasts with that of his family, which insists that he entered legally and complied with procedures by applying for asylum within the established deadlines.

Petro has already ordered the Foreign Ministry to intervene to seek his release, marking a formal step in diplomatic pressure on Washington.

The outcome of the case could have broader political implications amid tensions over migration, elections, and the role of activists in the international public debate, according to ABC and La Opinión.