The US and Colombia resolved a potential trade conflict on Sunday after Colombia agreed to accept flights carrying deported migrants from the US, averting President Donald Trump’s threats of substantial tariffs and sanctions.
The standoff began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially blocked US military flights attempting to repatriate Colombian nationals, prompting Trump to propose a series of retaliatory measures, including a 25% tariff on Colombian imports.
At the time, Trump accused Petro of “jeopardizing the National Security and Public Safety of the United States.”
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia,” Trump posted on social media. “This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people.”
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As a result, Trump threatened Colombia with the following actions:
- Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.
- A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.
- Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.
- Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.
- IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.
After negotiations, the White House announced that Colombia has accepted all deportation flights and that tariffs would be held in reserve, pending compliance with this agreement.
“It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Colombian President Petro had authorized flights and provided all needed authorizations and then canceled his authorization when the planes were in the air. As demonstrated by today’s actions, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and bolster America’s border security.”
President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of. It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner.…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) January 26, 2025
Colombian officials confirmed the deal, stating that they have made arrangements for the return of deported citizens. President Petro has even offered his own presidential plane to assist with the effort.
“The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of the compatriots who were going to arrive in the country today in the morning, coming from deportation flights,” Petro’s office said in a statement. “This measure responds to the Government’s commitment to guarantee decent conditions. In no way have Colombians, as patriots and subjects of rights, have not been and will be banished from Colombian territory.”
The incident serves as a warning to other nations regarding the implications of resisting US immigration policies.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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