A Colombian family who sought refuge in Kent from a lethal drug cartel are now facing the prospect of being sent back to their homeland, a move they fear could cost them their lives.
Luisa Rodriguez, 37, along with her three daughters, has been living in a budget hotel room in Ashford, Kent since their arrival in the UK in 2023.
They were forced to leave Colombia after Luisa’s husband, a police officer, refused to collaborate with the Clan Del Golfo gang, leading to an ordeal of threats and harassment.
However, their hopes for a peaceful future in England have been dashed as the Home Office has denied their asylum application, a decision slammed as “beyond comprehension.”
The rejection has left Luisa—a qualified nurse—and her daughters Maria, 16, and 12 year old twins Alejandra and Paula, in a state of despair and fear. “I can’t go back,” Luisa insisted, stressing the danger they face: “These people think nothing of killing and I have to prioritise the safety of my children.”
The Rodriguez family hails from Calarcá Quindío, where Luisa’s spouse, Eduardo, was actively investigating Clan Del Golfo, recognized by US officials as one of the globe’s most powerful cocaine trafficking syndicates.
The cartel is known for its “ruthless executions” of Colombian law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians. Eduardo, who held the rank of deputy superintendent, was chillingly warned that his refusal to cooperate would result in the abduction and murder of his family.
Luisa, a former intensive care nurse from Colombia, has been left in a limbo after the Home Office rejected her family’s plea for asylum in the UK, despite living under the shadow of death threats and violence.
Her husband’s refusal to cooperate with a local cartel led to a terrifying escalation of intimidation, including their children being chased by motorbike-riding men and gunshots fired at their home.
“We had a good, happy life,” Luisa recounted, “But that all changed when the threats started to come.”
The situation deteriorated rapidly: “It began with text messages and phone calls to my husband, but then things got a lot worse and very frightening, with gunshots fired at our house.”
In desperation, she fled to the UK seeking safety with her daughters, drawn by her father’s 20-year residence and British citizenship.
The family found temporary shelter in an Ashford hotel alongside other asylum seekers, while Luisa contributes to the community by aiding a local mother with cancer treatment.
Despite her aspirations to join the NHS, the family’s future was thrown into uncertainty on December 31 when they were ordered to leave within two weeks following the rejection of their asylum application.
The Home Office contends that the family is no longer at risk since Eduardo is not actively investigating the cartel, thus they should not be considered targets.
The family, fearing for their lives due to gang threats, has been told by the Home Office they could safely move to Colombian cities such as Cartagena, Cali, or Barranquilla.
The decision notice assured: “These are considered a reasonable amount of distance to put between yourself and the gang you fear, who will not see you as a target if removed from town.”
It also stated, “The gang’s main motive was to stop your husband from working in the area, which he has done. Based on this, relocation is deemed reasonable as it is unlikely that the gang would still be looking to pursue you if you did relocate.”
However, Luisa contends that the cartel’s influence is pervasive and that the suggested areas are hotbeds of drug trafficking.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed her dismay: “It is a big shock to be refused because I know we will face danger if we return,” adding that the situation has taken a toll on their mental health and sleep.
She had hoped the Home Office would prioritise her children’s safety. Their last hope lies in an appeal, with Luisa facing an interview with government officials imminently while under immigration bail.
The local community in Godmersham has rallied around Luisa and her daughters, embracing them warmly.
Fiona Sunley, of the Godmersham Park-owning family, revealed their plight became known when Luisa’s eldest daughter sought work experience at the park’s heritage centre.
“It is beyond comprehension that the threatened family of a serving Colombian police officer, whose role helps reduce the availability of Class A drugs on our streets, should be denied the right to remain,” she said.
“My family, the Godmersham Park team and our local community have enjoyed the enormous privilege of getting to know this beautiful and talented family throughout their visits with us in the last year and have taken them into our hearts and homes.”
“The threat of violence against the children, unless their father starts to assist the drug cartels, means remaining in the UK is the family’s only option.”
“The family has no wish to live off benefits, but to make a contribution to this country. ” “We hope that in the appeals process the Home Office recognises the very real risks the family faces and reverses their decision.”
If the appeal is successful, it is hoped Eduardo will join his family in the UK when he is eligible for retirement.
Luisa, who is currently studying three days a week for GCSEs in maths and English, believes she could be an asset to the NHS if allowed to stay. “I have 15 years experience and want to work, not live off benefits,” she says.
“The girls are learning English and doing well in school, despite suffering some bullying.”
“Everyone has been so kind and supportive and we want to make a new life here, where we will fit in and contribute to the community.”
“We are desperate to stay.”
The Home Office was approached for a comment on the family’s concerns, but they stated that they do not comment on individual cases.