Colombian authorities are intensifying efforts to curb sex tourism, with a particular focus on foreign nationals, predominantly Americans, associated with the online movement known as 'passport bros.' These individuals are accused of promoting illicit private tours and exploiting vulnerable women, according to reports.
Crackdown on Sex Tourism
In recent months, Colombia has seen a significant crackdown on the explicit promotion of tourism for sexual exploitation. Immigration officials have denied entry to over 140 foreigners, mostly Americans, this year alone due to suspicions of sex tourism. Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport has been a focal point, with over 100 detentions occurring there. Between 2024 and 2026, a total of 216 individuals have been denied entry to Colombia through Medellín for similar reasons.
Influencers Under Fire
Influencers within the 'passport bros' community are at the center of these allegations. Casey Brown, also known as 'Casey Red Beard,' a 37-year-old from Miami, has been accused by Colombian immigration officials of offering services linked to human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Brown hosted private parties in Medellín that allegedly featured local women, some significantly younger than the attendees. He has denied these claims, calling them 'fake news' and a 'Matrix attack.'
Medellín's mayor, Federico Gutierrez, placed Brown on the city's alert list for promoting tourism for sexual exploitation and organizing parties in city apartments. Brown was subsequently removed from Colombia, although he maintains he was not banned and has no legal issues. He has since shifted his focus to other countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and the Philippines.
Another influencer, Steve Newland, known online as 'Chill Capo,' was deported and banned from Colombia for five years. Accused of coaching other 'passport bros' on evading immigration and promoting sex tourism, Newland denied the allegations, claiming he was a scapegoat. Migración Colombia alleged that Newland's tourism packages included advice on evading law enforcement and parties that appeared to facilitate sexual exploitation.
Allegations of Exploitation and Grooming
Content creators within this sphere are accused of portraying cities like Medellín as places where foreign men can easily access young, vulnerable women. These portrayals often rely on sexist, racist, and colonialist stereotypes, describing women as more submissive and readily available. Immigration officials warn that this trend can contribute to the grooming and exploitation of young women.
In one instance, a group of men claiming to be on a bachelor party were found to have booked 'private tours paid in dollars featuring exclusive parties for foreigners,' which included alcohol, drugs, and very young women. Colombian authorities reported these tours posed risks of sexual exploitation of children and teenagers.
Joint Operations and Broader Context
In July, U.S. Department of Justice representatives, along with FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies, participated in coordinated operations at the airport to prevent individuals posing a security threat from entering the country. The mayor's office stated that one of the creators of the 'passport bros' movement was denied entry on July 31.
While influencers like Brown and Newland deny wrongdoing, organizations working to prevent sexual exploitation emphasize the need for accountability for those who create demand. Claudia Quintero, president of the Colombia-based nonprofit Empodérame, stated that the buyers who provide the money and sustain the market bear primary responsibility. Without men willing to pay for sexual exploitation, she argues, the industry would not exist.