A New York real estate agent has received a 10-year travel ban from Colombia following a chaotic incident at Rafael Nunez International Airport. Emmanuel Hernandez was caught on video, but he insists he’s a victim in this situation.
This outburst happened to coincide with his 84th birthday. Reports say that Hernandez caused significant disruption inside the airport, where he was recorded hurling profanities and damaging airport property, including one of the security booths.
“F-k you. I think you can do f-k with the wrong mother hooker,” he was heard shouting in the video shared online.
Hernandez shared that after two days of travel, including a stop in Peru, he arrived at Cartagena Airport feeling unwell. He mentioned, “I had just returned from a long trip from Orlando, and the trip was postponed for two days, so I had to stay at the hotel overnight.” He also added, “When I arrived at Cartagena, there were very long lines. I felt bad and it was very hot. I took off my shirt.”
He expressed frustration that airport officials seemed more interested in filming him rather than offering help. “When I took my shirt off, people started recording me. I felt like it was an invasion of my privacy,” he remarked.
Instead of being assisted, he found himself laughing at an official who wasn’t responsive to his needs. “They just kept recording me instead of checking on how I was doing… it really upset me,” he explained.
Law enforcement intervened, eventually arresting Hernandez for his aggressive behavior, including injuries caused to immigration office equipment.
As a result of the altercation, he faced charges for property damage and was expelled from the country, facing a decade-long ban. Hernandez claims a connection to Colombia, having lived there for a few years during his childhood, and feels deeply hurt by the restriction on his ability to return.
“I can’t go back to Colombia to see my parents, nor will I get to apologize for my behavior,” he lamented. “Not being able to see them for 10 years really, really hurts.”
Although he acknowledges the trouble he caused, Hernandez believes his actions stemmed from a natural emotional reaction. “These things happened, and they were out of my control,” he stated. “I made a mistake and I own up to it. I’m truly embarrassed about it.” He also committed to compensating for the damage he inadvertently caused.
