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The White House claimed victory on Sunday after resolving a diplomatic standoff with Colombia over deportation flights, which escalated when President Donald Trump threatened severe economic sanctions. The dispute arose after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to accept deportation flights from the U.S., accusing Trump of mistreating migrants.
The tension culminated in a series of retaliatory measures. Trump announced 25% tariffs on Colombian goods, visa restrictions on Colombian officials, and enhanced inspections of imports. He warned of increasing tariffs to 50% within a week. In response, Petro imposed similar tariffs on U.S. imports and demanded a protocol that ensured “dignity” for deported migrants.
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump declared on his social media platform, Truth Social. “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.”
By late Sunday, Petro’s government had relented. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Colombia’s agreement to accept deportation flights, including those carried on U.S. military aircraft, “without limitation or delay.” Trump withheld the tariffs but maintained visa restrictions and import inspections pending the successful return of deportees.
“We have overcome the impasse with the United States government,” Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo said. He added that Colombia’s presidential aircraft was available to transport migrants with dignity, addressing earlier concerns over U.S. military deportation protocols.
The conflict highlights growing friction between the U.S. and Colombia, traditionally close allies in anti-narcotics efforts. Relations have cooled under Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, who has distanced the country from Washington since taking office in 2022.
Colombia ranks fifth among countries receiving U.S. deportation flights, accepting 124 flights in 2024 alone. However, Petro’s resistance underscores his broader criticisms of U.S. immigration policy. “A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves,” Petro said on social media earlier Sunday.
The incident sends a strong signal to other nations regarding the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. A senior administration official stated, “This is a clear message that countries have an obligation to accept repatriation flights.”
The diplomatic skirmish has left lingering tensions despite the resolution, as Colombia remains a key trading partner and vital supplier of crude oil and fresh flowers to the U.S.
