Overview

• Felipe Zapata Velásquez, a 27-year-old Colombian international student at the University of Florida, was arrested on March 28, 2025, for driving with an expired license and registration.
• While renewing his F-1 visa, Velásquez was detained by ICE and given a choice to remain in detention awaiting court proceedings or to sign a self-deportation order, which he ultimately chose.
• He was deported to Colombia by April 9, 2025, prompting widespread protests and criticism from lawmakers and activists who condemned ICE’s actions as disproportionate and harmful.
• The incident is part of a broader crackdown on international students and immigrants under the Trump administration, raising concerns about due process and the targeting of minor infractions.
• A protest was organized at the University of Florida to demand justice for Velásquez and to call attention to the aggressive immigration policies affecting students.