WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced a series of punitive measures against Colombia on Sunday, escalating tensions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the refusal to accept U.S. military flights deporting Colombian migrants.
In retaliation, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, threatening to double the rate to 50% within a week if the issue remained unresolved. Additionally, the U.S. revoked visas for Colombian government officials and their allies, implemented a travel ban, and warned of financial sanctions. Enhanced customs inspections targeting Colombian nationals and goods were also ordered, citing national security concerns.
“These actions are just the start,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post. “We will not allow Colombia to shirk its responsibilities and refuse to take back criminals they forced into the United States.”
The clash erupted after two U.S. deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants were denied entry into the country. Petro, citing concerns over the treatment of deportees, criticized the U.S. government for treating Colombian migrants “like criminals,” referencing images of detainees in handcuffs. He announced that Colombia would not accept deportation flights unless the U.S. established protocols ensuring migrants were treated with dignity.
In response to Trump’s tariffs and sanctions, Petro retaliated by imposing a 25% tariff on U.S. imports into Colombia. He also offered the use of a presidential plane to facilitate the “respectful return” of deported Colombian migrants.
Tensions Escalate Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The dispute highlights the growing resistance from Latin American nations to the Trump administration’s hardline deportation policies. Since declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border during his first week in office, Trump has deployed military support for deportation efforts, resulting in thousands of migrants being forcibly returned to their home countries in restraints.
Petro took to social media to voice his objections, stating, “The United States must treat migrants with the respect and dignity they deserve. Until then, we will not allow American planes carrying deportees to land in Colombia.”
This standoff follows a broader pattern of pushback against the Trump administration’s deportation policies. Mexico recently refused to accept a deportation flight for the first time in decades, while Brazil has also criticized the treatment of returned migrants.
Economic Stakes and Political Responses
Colombia is a significant trade partner for the U.S., with its largest exports to America including crude oil, coffee, and flowers. The newly imposed tariffs could significantly disrupt this economic relationship.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump’s hardline stance, emphasizing the need for Latin American nations to cooperate. “President Trump has made it clear that America will no longer tolerate deceit or exploitation. Countries must take responsibility for their citizens who are in the U.S. illegally and expedite their return,” Rubio said.
Rubio further accused Petro of reneging on prior agreements, stating that Colombia initially approved the deportation flights but rescinded permission while the planes were en route.
Trump’s use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool has been a recurring strategy, previously targeting Mexico, Canada, and China. With tensions now spilling over into South America, the administration is doubling down on its promise to prioritize border security and immigration enforcement, even at the cost of strained international relationships.
This developing trade war between the U.S. and Colombia is yet another chapter in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reshape immigration and trade policies, sparking controversy and resistance across the Americas.
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