A Colombian national who had been residing in Israel illegally for more than four years was apprehended in Petach Tikva while posing as a chareidi Jew, according to Israeli sources.
The man, who had been in the country on a tourist visa since 2019, would frequent local shuls dressed in traditional chareidi attire, actively participating in davening and even being called to the Torah for an aliyah.
The Population and Immigration Authority reported that the individual originally entered Israel on a three-month tourist visa. Despite having his application for political asylum in 2020, as well as a subsequent request for humanitarian status, both being rejected, he chose to remain in Israel without legal authorization.
The suspect was arrested as part of a coordinated operation led by the Central District Enforcement and Foreigners Authority. Authorities have indicated that he will be deported in the near future.
{Matzav.com}