Minute30.com .- What was supposed to be a return flight to Colombia ended in a new judicial process for Eduardo José Restrepo Caballero, a 27-year-old young man who now faces a possible sentence of up to five years in prison in the United States.

The compatriot, who was in the deportation process, was involved in a violent incident on a Spirit Airlines plane that forced the cancellation of takeoff in Florida.

Chaos in the air: The incident report

According to official reports from the US authorities, just before the aircraft began its run along the runway, Restrepo Caballero entered the plane’s bathroom. Once inside, the young man destroyed the wall panels and spilled an unknown liquid on the floor, creating a situation of risk and confusion among the crew.

The pilot, given the severity of the damage and the disorderly conduct of the passenger, was forced to abort the maneuver and return the plane to the boarding gate. After a technical inspection, it was determined that the damage amounts to 10,000 dollars (approximately 40 million Colombian pesos).

New positions and uncertain future

After the incident, the Colombian was immediately captured and transferred to the same prison where he was awaiting his repatriation flight. Now, Eduardo José no longer only faces expulsion from the country, but serious criminal charges for:

Criminal damage to property.

Disorderly conduct.

Vandalism on an aircraft.

Expert migration lawyers point out that this behavior nullifies any possibility of a voluntary return and severely complicates his legal situation, leading to him spending five years behind bars before finally being sent to Colombia.

Alarming deportation figures

The case of Restrepo Caballero occurs in a context of tightening immigration policies in the United States. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the number of expelled Colombians has grown exponentially:

2025: In the first seven months, 19,434 Colombians have been expelled, a figure that already equals the total for the entire year 2024.

Global: Nearly 2 million irregular migrants left the US last year under voluntary or involuntary return policies.

This incident highlights the tension experienced on deportation flights and the drastic legal consequences for those who try to obstruct these official procedures.

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