BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The White House and Colombia engaged in a tense standoff over the acceptance of deported migrants from the U.S., with President Donald Trump threatening tariffs and sanctions on Sunday. The dispute arose after Colombia refused to accept two U.S. military aircraft carrying migrants, prompting Trump to impose visa restrictions, threaten tariffs on Colombian goods, and other retaliatory measures.
President Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of jeopardizing U.S. national security by blocking deportation flights. However, following negotiations, Colombia agreed to accept all deported migrants from the U.S. without delay or limitation, averting the tariffs. The Colombian government expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing its commitment to receiving deportees with dignity.
The U.S. Secretary of State authorized visa restrictions on Colombian officials responsible for the flight interference, in addition to suspending visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. President Petro had demanded a protocol ensuring dignified treatment of migrants before accepting deportation flights.
Colombia, historically a key U.S. ally in Latin America, has faced strained relations since Petro's presidency began in 2022. The country has accepted numerous deportation flights from the U.S., ranking fifth behind other Central American nations. Colombia also participates in U.S.-funded deportation flights from Panama.
As part of Trump's immigration crackdown, the U.S. military has been involved in deportations, with recent flights landing in Guatemala and Honduras. Colombia, a significant oil and flower exporter to the U.S., plays a crucial role in trade relations between the two countries.
Overall, the resolution of the deportation flight dispute marks a significant moment in U.S.-Colombia relations, highlighting the complexities of immigration policies and diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.
