U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs and sanctions against Colombia on Sunday, intensifying his crackdown on immigration. The measures come in response to Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights, marking a new chapter in escalating tensions between the two nations.
Trump declared that a 25% tariff on Colombian products would take effect immediately, increasing to 50% within a week. He also ordered the revocation of visas for Colombian officials and supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, while subjecting Colombian citizens to stricter airport screenings.
“These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its obligations regarding the acceptance and return of criminals they forced into the United States!” Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform.
Colombia Pushes Back
President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing leader, strongly condemned Trump’s actions. Writing on X, Petro stated, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to U.S. planes carrying Colombian migrants.” He later claimed to have turned back U.S. military flights attempting to land in Colombia.
Petro offered an alternative, proposing to send Colombia’s presidential plane to retrieve migrants from the U.S. “with dignity.” He also expressed willingness to accept civilian deportation flights, provided the migrants were treated humanely.
Highlighting the situation’s complexity, Petro revealed that over 15,600 undocumented Americans currently reside in Colombia. He urged these individuals to regularize their status while ruling out mass deportation raids.
Wider Implications
The clash with Colombia underscores Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which has drawn resistance from several Latin American nations. Brazil recently criticized the treatment of deported Brazilian nationals, who were reportedly restrained during flights and denied basic amenities.
One deportee, Edgar Da Silva Moura, described his ordeal to YEPS News: “On the plane, they didn’t give us water. We were tied hands and feet and weren’t allowed to use the bathroom. It was very hot, and some people fainted.”
Television footage showed passengers disembarking in shackles, sparking public outrage.
Regional Response
Latin American countries are rallying to support their citizens deported from the U.S. Mexico announced plans to establish shelters for returnees under its “Mexico Embraces You” program, while Honduras launched an initiative called “Brother, Come Home,” offering food, financial aid, and employment support for deportees.
Despite international criticism, the Trump administration has doubled down on its use of military aircraft for deportations, a departure from previous practices. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Latin America, excluding Colombia, to garner regional backing for Trump’s immigration policies.
As tensions rise, the dispute highlights the complexities of migration, sovereignty, and international diplomacy in the Americas.