After a heated diplomatic standoff between the United States and Colombia, the two nations agreed on the repatriation of Colombian citizens from the U.S. late Sunday night.
The incident happened when Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to let two U.S. military planes, carrying undocumented immigrants, land in Colombia. Former U.S. President Donald Trump then issued a series of retaliatory threats on his social media, threatening severe economic and diplomatic retribution.
Trump declared an emergency 25% tariff on Colombian goods, promising to increase it to 50% if compliance was not met within a week. He also threatened visa sanctions against Colombian officials, their families, and allies and stricter customs inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo. Trump cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as the legal foundation for these measures.
Defending the step, Petro added on X that a migrant was not a criminal and had the right to treatment as accorded dignity every human person. Colombia confirmed the US had refused its military entry, however, it still accepts civilian planes for deportation purposes, as well said by Petro himself in terms of employing his presidential airplane in repatriating individuals for a secure return into dignified arrival conditions.
Mexico has similarly denied U.S. military repatriation flights, preferring civilian aircraft for deportation operations. A U.S. official familiar with the matter confirmed that ongoing discussions aim to resolve such issues diplomatically.
Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, expressed confidence that Colombia and other nations would comply. He cited past instances where Mexico cooperated with Trump’s border policies despite initial resistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the administration’s position, saying, “America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of.” Rubio attacked Petro for revoking permission for the flights once they were in flight, urging a “swift” resolution.
With tensions easing, this deal is a crucial step in solving repatriation issues. However, it also underscores the complexities of international migration policies.
