KUALA LUMPUR – In a dramatic turn of events, Colombia has agreed to accept the return of its citizens deported from the United States, following a high-stakes standoff with the Trump administration that saw a 25% tariff imposed on Colombian imports.
The move comes after weeks of tension, during which Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially refused to allow US military planes carrying deportees to land, citing concerns about the migrants’ treatment.
The impasse prompted swift retaliation from President Donald Trump, who announced steep tariffs on all Colombian goods, including coffee and flowers – two of Colombia’s largest exports.
Trump warned these tariffs could double to 50% if Colombia did not comply, The Guardian reported. The sanctions were part of what the White House described as an effort to “fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty” by ensuring foreign governments take back their citizens who were in the US illegally.
Faced with the crippling economic consequences of the sanctions, President Petro ultimately conceded to the Trump administration’s demands.
“The government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on US military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” said the White House press secretary in a statement, as reported by The Spectator.
The agreement includes Colombia accepting deportees on US military planes, with immediate implementation. President Petro even offered to use the Colombian presidential plane to assist with the repatriation flights, in a gesture of cooperation aimed at defusing tensions, according to CNN.
Petro stated that while he remains concerned about the welfare of deportees, Colombia would ensure dignified treatment upon their return.
While the White House has now held off on enacting additional tariffs and sanctions, the press secretary clarified that “visa sanctions issued by the State Department, and enhanced inspections from Customs and Border Protection, will remain in effect until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”
These measures serve as leverage to ensure Colombia follows through with the agreement.
This episode highlights the Trump administration’s hard-line approach to immigration enforcement, leveraging economic pressure to compel foreign governments to accept deportees.
“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again,” the White House press secretary added, underscoring Trump’s position on securing international compliance.
According to BBC, Colombia exports over US$11 billion annually to the US, making it especially vulnerable to American tariffs. – January 27, 2025
