Colombian immigration authorities have intervened to protect 17 children allegedly rescued from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor, which has faced accusations of sexual abuse and kidnapping across multiple countries. Gloria Esperanza Arriero, director of Colombia’s national immigration service, confirmed that nine sect members were detained during a hotel inspection in Yarumal, a small northwestern city. The group, consisting of 17 children and nine adults, arrived in Colombia in late October, reportedly seeking a rural property to establish a new base. Arriero stated that deportation is likely for the detained members, as there are no active arrest orders against them in Colombia. Interpol yellow notices were issued for five children in the group, who hold American and Guatemalan passports, indicating they were reported missing or at risk of abduction. The intervention followed tips from local residents, preventing the sect from establishing a compound, which would have necessitated a search warrant. Lev Tahor has a history of legal troubles, including raids in Guatemala, arrests in Mexico, and convictions of its leaders in New York for kidnapping and child exploitation. The sect operates in several countries, including Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Guatemala, and Israel.
Colombia detains Lev Tahor sect members and takes 17 children into protective custody
