Colombia Expels Sect Members After Minor Rescue Operation

Colombian authorities have expelled nine members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect Lev Tahor. This action followed a major operation to rescue 17 minors from the group's control. The rescued children are now under the protection of New York state officials. Colombian immigration officials handed the nine expelled adults over to U.S. custody. Authorities described Lev Tahor as an ultra-Orthodox group. Ultra-Orthodox communities follow a very strict interpretation of religious law. The group has faced previous legal actions in other countries related to its practices. Colombia's government has not released further details about the rescue operation. The investigation into the group's activities in the country is ongoing.