Trump Slaps Sanctions After Colombia Defies Deportation Push
US President Donald Trump has ordered significant tariffs and sanctions against Colombia, marking a response to the country’s refusal to accept deportation flights. This move underscores Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown and reflects his intent to address opposition from Latin American nations.
In his announcement made shortly after taking office, Trump declared that tariffs would be set at 25 percent on Colombian products, which could escalate to 50 percent within a week. The authority for such measures is questionable, particularly since Colombia has traditionally been one of the United States’ closest allies in the region and benefits from a free-trade agreement with the U.S.
Trump’s actions also included the immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials along with supporters of President Gustavo Petro. Moreover, he indicated that Colombians would face increased scrutiny at U.S. airports.
Trump expressed his resolve on his Truth Social platform, stating, “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!”
Upon taking office, Trump had set out to effectively round up and deport foreigners living unlawfully in the United States. However, he has encountered pushback from Petro, who was elected in 2022 as the first left-leaning leader of Colombia, the fourth-largest economy in Latin America.
In response to Trump’s declarative stance, Petro emphasized the inappropriateness of viewing Colombian migrants as criminals. He declared on social media, “I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants.” Petro additionally mentioned that he had “turned back US military planes,” reflecting a significant shift in Colombia’s immigration policies.
The Colombian government proposed using its presidential plane for transporting migrants treated with “dignity,” in light of the blocked flights. Petro also expressed a willingness to allow civilian flights from the U.S. that would be carrying Colombian deportees, provided they are not treated in a dehumanizing manner.
Furthermore, Petro revealed that over 15,600 undocumented Americans were residing in Colombia, urging them to “regularize their situation,” while assuring that he would not conduct raids for arrests or deportations.
This diplomatic friction arrives shortly before Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Latin America. However, Colombia will not be included in his travel itinerary as he seeks to rally support for Trump’s policy initiatives.
