Summary
Highlights
León, from Colombia, spent 3.5 years in Tel Aviv, Israel, working in heavy machinery for a concrete company and as a DJ on weekends. He had prior experience as a DJ and bartender in Colombia. He arrived in Israel as a tourist but found work quickly, noting the abundance of jobs there despite the difficulty of legal immigration and visa processes.
León explains he was expelled due to intensified deportations of Colombians in early 2024, partly linked to political tensions between Israel and Colombia. He had a refugee visa, but it was not renewed. He was planning a voluntary departure when a large-scale police and immigration operation took place at 'Bar la Comadre,' a popular Latin restaurant and bar where he was selling raffle tickets.
León describes the raid on 'Bar la Comadre,' where police and immigration encircled the establishment with drones, trapping around 30 people. They were questioned, and those without valid papers were taken to detention. León was subsequently moved to Guivon Prison in Ramla, a high-security facility, where he spent 14 days and encountered terrorists. He highlights the dehumanizing treatment, being treated like a criminal despite being a migrant.
In prison, León's belongings were confiscated, and he was allowed a brief call. He contacted his girlfriend and roommate, who were already aware of the situation due to social media. He left behind a car he was trying to sell via raffle and new clothes, which he is now trying to retrieve from Israel but faces high shipping costs due to severed relations with Spain.
León emphasizes the abundant work opportunities and good salaries in Israel, but acknowledges the constant threat of war. He describes the stress of missile attacks, the need to seek bunkers, and the advanced 'Iron Dome' defense system. He notes that while the war is terrifying, life can also be beautiful and prosperous during periods of truce. He wishes Israel would regularize hardworking immigrants, as they contribute significantly to the economy.
After 14 days, León was deported through Egypt, where Israeli authorities paid for his flight to Bogotá, Colombia, with a layover in Spain. He rerouted his journey to Spain, using a previously researched 'Plan B.' He successfully navigated Spanish immigration by demonstrating financial stability and a return ticket to Colombia. His ultimate goal is to go to Switzerland to earn more money, then return to Medellín to complete his tourism project—a hostel with eight mini-apartments and tour logistics.
León's project in Medellín is 85% complete, featuring a hostel with eight mini-apartments and a full tourism logistics service, including transportation and curated tours of Medellín and its surroundings. He has invested all his savings from Israel into this project, which he manages remotely. He needs approximately 200 million Colombian pesos (around 50,000 euros) to finish the decoration and furnishing. He sees great potential in Medellín's growing tourism sector and aims to offer a unique, immersive experience to visitors.
León advises immigrants to maintain focus on their goals and live austerely to save money, based on his own experience of working to achieve his project. He highlights the dangers of losing focus by indulging in excessive spending or social distractions. He encourages those who face deportation not to lose hope, as opportunities exist globally. He remains grateful for the support of the Colombian community in Israel and believes his narrative can inspire others.