U.S. and Colombia Sign Landmark Biometric Data Sharing Agreement

On March 28, 2025, the United States and Colombia signed an agreement to share biometric data collected from immigrants and asylum seekers, aiming to enhance migration management and disrupt criminal activities. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia formalized the agreement during Noem's visit to Bogotá.

The agreement focuses on sharing biometric data, such as fingerprints and other identifiers, to identify and target members of criminal organizations operating across borders. Secretary Noem emphasized that this cooperation would strengthen regional security systems and disrupt the movement of individuals involved in illegal activities, including human trafficking.

Both parties highlighted the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of migrants. Foreign Minister Sarabia stated that the memorandum of understanding would strengthen the sharing of migratory information while ensuring that migrants' rights are upheld.

This agreement marks a significant policy shift for Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who had previously expressed reluctance to collaborate with the U.S. on immigration enforcement measures. Earlier in 2025, relations between the U.S. and Colombia were strained due to disagreements over deportation flights. President Petro had refused to accept flights carrying deported Colombians, leading to threats of tariffs and sanctions from U.S. President Donald Trump. The two countries eventually reached a deal, and deportations resumed.

In addition to the agreement with the U.S., President Petro has sought regional alliances to address migration challenges. He met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino to discuss joint strategies for managing deportations and migration flows, particularly concerning Venezuelan migrants.

The sharing of biometric data is intended to improve the identification and tracking of individuals involved in transnational criminal activities, thereby enhancing security in both countries. However, the collection and sharing of biometric data raise concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive personal information.

This agreement reflects a collaborative approach to managing migration flows and addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration and associated criminal activities. The U.S. and Colombia have a history of cooperation in immigration enforcement. In 2014, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Migración Colombia signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent, investigate, and enforce immigration laws.

The use of biometric data in immigration enforcement has been a growing trend globally, with countries implementing such measures to enhance border security and identify individuals involved in criminal activities.

This agreement between the U.S. and Colombia signifies a deepening of bilateral relations in the realm of security and migration management, reflecting both nations' commitment to addressing shared challenges through cooperation.