Overview

• The United States and Colombia have formalized an agreement to exchange biometric data to combat organized crime, human smuggling, and migration challenges.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia signed the memorandum during Noem's visit to Bogotá on March 27, 2025.
• The agreement follows tensions earlier this year when Colombia rejected U.S. deportation flights over concerns about the treatment of migrants, prompting diplomatic strain.
• Both countries have emphasized the importance of respecting migrant dignity and human rights while enhancing border security and regional cooperation.
• Critics warn that biometric data-sharing initiatives could lead to discriminatory practices and enforce exclusionary policies, raising concerns about their broader implications.