Colombian immigration officers turned away two U.S. citizens at José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro in less than a day — both cases tied to suspicions of sexual misconduct.
The most recent case unfolded Wednesday morning when airport security raised an alert over a suitcase packed with dozens of sex-related items, including toys, lubricants, performance enhancers, and oils. The owner, a U.S. traveler, reportedly gave unclear answers when asked about his plans in Medellín. After a joint inspection with the National Police, Migración Colombia concluded he intended to enter the country for purposes related to sexual exploitation. He was declared inadmissible and put on a return flight to the United States.
Just hours earlier, another American had also been stopped at the same airport after triggering an alert from Angel Watch, an international database that tracks people linked to sexual crimes against minors. Officials said the man’s presence posed a potential risk to public safety, and he was denied entry under Decree 1727 of 2020, which allows immigration officers to block travelers who could threaten national security or public order.
According to Paola Salazar, regional director of Migración Colombia for Antioquia and Chocó, both incidents highlight the agency’s strict stance against sex tourism and travelers with criminal backgrounds.
So far this year, Colombian authorities have denied entry to nearly 40 foreigners — most of them U.S. citizens — at the Rionegro airport, mainly for issues related to sexual offenses or suspicious travel motives.
