Colombian President Gustavo Petro has denied landing rights to U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants, citing concerns over their treatment. In response, President Donald Trump announced immediate economic and diplomatic sanctions against Colombia.
On January 26, 2025, President Gustavo Petro announced that Colombia would not permit U.S. military flights transporting deported Colombian migrants to land in the country. Petro emphasized that migrants should be treated with dignity and respect, rejecting any form of criminalization. He stated that before accepting deported individuals, the U.S. must establish protocols ensuring their humane treatment.
In swift retaliation, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, with a warning that it would escalate to 50% within a week if Colombia did not comply. Additionally, Trump announced travel bans and visa revocations targeting Colombian government officials and their allies. Enhanced inspections for Colombian nationals and cargo at U.S. borders were also implemented. Trump justified these measures by stating that Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights endangered U.S. national security and public safety.
This diplomatic clash follows a similar incident with Brazil, where tensions arose over the treatment of deported Brazilian nationals. Brazilian authorities condemned the use of handcuffs on their citizens during deportation flights, leading to a broader regional dispute over U.S. deportation practices.
The situation underscores escalating tensions between the U.S. and Latin American countries regarding immigration policies and the treatment of deported individuals. As the U.S. intensifies its immigration enforcement, Latin American nations are increasingly asserting their demands for the dignified and respectful treatment of their citizens.
