President Donald Trump has announced a series of sanctions against Colombia following its refusal to accept deportation flights from the United States. The dispute arose when Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, denied entry to two U.S. military planes carrying deported Colombian nationals.
Petro stated that Colombia would not accept deportation flights until the U.S. establishes protocols ensuring migrants are treated with “dignity” and respect. He emphasized that migrants are not criminals and should not be treated as such. Petro also indicated that Colombia would accept deported citizens transported on civilian aircraft, provided they are treated humanely.
President Trump asserted that Petro’s actions jeopardize U.S. national security and public safety. He emphasized that the U.S. will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of individuals deported from the United States.
In response, President Trump took to Truth Social, saying:
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people. Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States, so I have directed my Administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures:
-Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.
-A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.
-Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.
-Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.
-IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.
These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!”
This development highlights the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Colombia concerning immigration policies and the treatment of deported individuals. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
