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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has rejected U.S. deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants, marking a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Petro’s decision has intensified tensions between the two countries, leading to immediate retaliatory measures from the Trump administration.
Petro, in a statement posted on X, denounced the treatment of migrants as inhumane. “A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves,” he wrote. Petro also clarified that Colombia would not force migrants to stay in a country “that does not want them.” Until the U.S. adopts a more respectful approach, Petro stated, Colombia would deny entry to U.S. military planes carrying deported individuals.
President Trump, who has prioritized aggressive immigration policies, responded strongly to Petro’s actions. Trump announced a series of sanctions targeting Colombia, including a 25% tariff on Colombian imports that will rise to 50% within a week, a travel ban on Colombian officials, and enhanced inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo entering the U.S.
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump stated, emphasizing the U.S. expectation that other countries comply with their “legal obligations” to accept repatriation flights.
Trump’s administration, which has deported hundreds of migrants on military planes in recent weeks, also faces criticism from other governments. Brazil recently objected to the “degrading” treatment of deported migrants, citing poor conditions on U.S. deportation flights. Brazilian authorities reported that deportees were shackled and transported on planes with malfunctioning air conditioning before being transferred to Brazilian Air Force aircraft.
The escalating dispute between the U.S. and Colombia highlights broader tensions over global migration policies and the treatment of migrants. Trump’s administration has proposed sweeping changes, including ending birthright citizenship—a right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
While Trump’s supporters praise his hardline stance as a means of protecting U.S. national security, critics argue it undermines human rights and strains international relations. Petro’s decision reflects growing resistance from nations unwilling to accept what they perceive as punitive or undignified treatment of their citizens.
As the situation develops, Petro has yet to respond directly to Trump’s retaliatory measures. His initial comments focused on the need for a protocol that ensures the “dignified treatment” of migrants before Colombia accepts deportation flights. The diplomatic standoff raises questions about the future of US-Colombian relations and the broader handling of migration issues in the Americas.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Sunday that his government is imposing 25% tariffs on US imports. The move comes as retaliation against US sanctions targeting Colombian officials and goods, following Petro’s refusal to allow US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants to land.
Petro shared the announcement on X, initially signaling plans for a 50% tariff hike. However, he later revised the decision, instructing his minister for external trade to apply a 25% increase instead. The tit-for-tat measures underscore rising tensions between the two countries as they grapple with the fallout of Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
A Diplomatic Standoff (Updated January 26, 2025 8:30 PM)
This latest chapter in the Trump-Petro clash began after the Colombian president denied entry to US military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants. Petro cited his country’s commitment to treating migrants with dignity, accusing the US of criminalizing migration.
In response, Trump imposed a series of punitive measures, including a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, a travel ban on Colombian government officials, and enhanced inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo entering the US. Trump accused Petro of jeopardizing US national security by refusing to accept deportation flights.
Petro described the sanctions as unjust and reaffirmed Colombia’s stance on defending its sovereignty and human rights. ”
The Colombian president also highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s immigration crackdown, arguing that unilateral actions by the US undermine international cooperation on migration issues. Petro emphasized that deported migrants often face dire conditions upon return, adding strain to Colombia’s already fragile social and economic systems.
Analysts warn that the escalating trade war between the US and Colombia could have significant economic consequences for both nations. The US is one of Colombia’s largest trading partners, with key exports such as coffee, flowers, and oil potentially subject to declining demand due to the new tariffs. Meanwhile, Colombia’s 25% tariffs on US imports are likely to impact American goods, including agricultural products and machinery, which are critical to Colombian industries.
Petro defended the tariff hike as a necessary countermeasure to Trump’s sanctions, which he said unfairly target Colombian leaders and businesses. “This is not just about tariffs or flights. It’s about defending Colombia’s sovereignty and standing up to policies that harm vulnerable populations,” Petro stated.
