Colombia is launching a renewed and determined effort in its fight against the sexual exploitation of children, particularly by foreign nationals. Recent proactive initiatives, including strengthened international cooperation and stricter migration controls, aim to enhance safety for Colombian minors. For anyone considering Colombia as their next destination, understanding these vital security updates is essential. These actions underscore Colombia's commitment to creating a safer environment while ensuring responsible tourism and residency for all.

Colombia’s New Fight Against Foreigners’ Sexual Child Exploitation

Medellín is strengthening its direct fight against child abuse and commercial exploitation of minors through coordinated actions on the ground and in cooperation with international agencies. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga began a work agenda in the United States last Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9, to hold high-level meetings with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, and the FBI to advance an international offensive against the crimes of sexual and commercial exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents (ESCNNA).

"We have just held a high-level meeting in the city of Miami with the HSI Agency, with whom we are allied in an articulated manner to fight against the sexual exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents. The goal is to eradicate this deplorable crime. The results are already being seen," said Mayor Federico Gutiérrez at the end of the meeting.

How was the agenda against Sexual Child Exploitation?

One of the main topics discussed on the work agenda was the preparation of the judicial hearings that will be held against US citizens Stefan Correa and Hamzeh Anaswed, captured in Miami, for their alleged participation in cases of sexual exploitation of minors in Medellín and whose investigation is being carried out in an articulated manner in both countries and whose trials will be at the end of June, for which life imprisonment is expected to be requested.

“Let's keep working together; we are strengthening this effort. Medellín, as a city, is committed to this fight, and we invite more cities in Colombia, Latin America, and around the world to join us. More results and more arrests are coming, according to investigations in both the United States and Colombia; we will continue working for the well-being of our children,” added the mayor.

What were the Conclusions of this Work Agenda against Sexual Child Exploitation?

Among the commitments agreed upon for cooperation in this regard are to strengthen three lines of work:

The prevention of ESCNNA (Sexual Commercial Exploitation of Children and Adolescents) in the city.
The investigation of crimes of this type against minors.
Support for the prosecution of criminals to ensure effective sanctions, both in Colombia and the United States.

Finally, Mayor Gutiérrez stated that joint efforts continue with the Angel Watch strategy, which helps to return foreigners from José María Córdova airport who intend to enter Medellín and who have a history of aggression against women or pedophilia since 2024 and so far in 2025, 47 arrests have been made for ESCNNA, 314 for sexual offenses, and 31 arrests of foreigners for these acts. In addition, 82 tourist homes have been intervened, and 78 temporary suspensions of economic activity have been applied for irregularities associated with child exploitation.

Finally, the Mayor's Office of Medellín reiterates the call to citizens to report any situation that violates the integrity of minors, emphasizing that the protection of children is an unyielding commitment and that in Medellín, there can be no place for impunity.

Medellin Guru Guides

Download Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia we have created with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.

Medellin Guru's safety and security series

Safety is the biggest concern of foreigners visiting Colombia or planning to move to Colombia. So, we have a series of 18 popular articles about safety and security in Colombia:

The Bottom Line: Colombia’s New Fight Against Foreigners’ Sexual Child Exploitation

Colombia is taking significant strides to combat the sexual exploitation of children, particularly by foreign nationals, through enhanced international collaboration and stricter migration measures. With Medellín leading the charge, recent initiatives focus on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of offenders, underscoring a commitment to protecting minors and fostering a safer environment for all. Citizens are encouraged to report any violations, reinforcing a united front against impunity in the fight for children’s rights.