A diplomatic clash between the US and Colombia was swiftly resolved after President Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Colombian goods in response to the country blocking two US military deportation flights.
The conflict began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused entry to US military flights carrying deportees, insisting migrants should return on civilian aircraft “without treating them like criminals.” Trump retaliated by announcing tariffs and visa sanctions through Truth Social.
Petro initially stood firm, posting on X that Trump’s “blockade” didn’t frighten Colombia, “the country of beauty” and “heart of the world.” However, within hours, Colombia agreed to accept migrants on US military aircraft “without limitation or delay,” according to a White House statement.
The White House termed this a victory for Trump’s approach, though warned that drafted tariffs would be implemented if Colombia breached the agreement. Visa sanctions and enhanced border inspections will remain until the first successful deportation flight.
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo stated they would continue accepting deportees while “guaranteeing them decent conditions, as citizens subject to rights.” He announced plans to travel to Washington for high-level meetings and said Petro’s presidential plane would facilitate the return of Colombians originally scheduled on the blocked flights.
This dispute emerged amid Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, including executive orders expanding ICE’s detention powers. ICE conducted “targeted” arrests in Chicago on Sunday, accompanied by new “border czar” Tom Homan, who called for increased detention centre funding.
The recent passage of the Laken Riley Act will expand immigration authorities’ detention powers, though Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized it as eroding civil rights.
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