U.S. State Department revokes Colombian activist's visa over anti-government rhetoric

In June, Colombia elected conservative President Abelardo de la Espriella, defeating Ivan Cepeda, a candidate linked to former socialist leader Gustavo Petro. Shortly after the election, Viviana Marín, who serves as political secretary for the Communist Youth of Colombia, filmed herself urging Colombians to make the nation “unlivable” for the new administration, promising daily street protests. The video spread online, showing her also traveling in the United States.

On August 25, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted the video and announced that the State Department had revoked Marín’s visa, stating that while she is free to hold political views, the U.S. does not welcome those who promote violence or intimidation. The revocation was carried out under Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Marín has responded by saying her comments were about opposition protests, not violent acts, and has complained of harassment on social media.