Emmanuel Ochayi
“Colombia has failed to meet its legal obligations regarding deportations, and we will not stand for it,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday. Speaking from his office, Trump declared a series of measures targeting Colombia, a response to its refusal to accept deportation flights of Colombian nationals from the United States.
The measures include an immediate 25% tariff on Colombian goods, with plans to increase it to 50% within a week. Additionally, Trump announced visa restrictions on Colombian officials and individuals he described as “supporters” of Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“These actions are only the beginning. We will not tolerate any country defying the United States on such a critical issue,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Petro Responds to Trump’s Crackdown
Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded firmly, condemning the sanctions and vowing to block U.S. planes carrying deported Colombians from entering his country.
“We will not allow the United States to treat our citizens as criminals,” Petro said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Any planes attempting to deport Colombians will be turned back.”
He later added that the Colombian government was willing to send its presidential plane to the U.S. to bring the deportees home “with dignity.”
Petro emphasised that deported Colombians should not be treated unfairly. “We will accept civilian flights, but those onboard must be treated with respect and not as criminals,” he said.
READ ALSO: Trump Proposes ‘Clean Out’ Of Gaza Population
Deportation Flights Spark Outrage in Latin America
Trump’s crackdown has caused tensions across Latin America. The Colombian government revealed that more than 15,600 undocumented Americans live in Colombia. Petro encouraged them to legalize their status but ruled out raids or mass deportations.
Brazil also expressed anger over recent deportation practices. Brazilian migrants deported last week reported being restrained with handcuffs and denied basic amenities during the flight.
“One of the deportees fainted due to the heat, and we were not even allowed water,” said Edgar Da Silva Moura, a deportee. “They tied our hands and feet, treating us like criminals.”
TV footage from Brazil showed deportees stepping off planes with their ankles shackled, sparking widespread criticism.
Latin America Pushes Back Against Trump Policies
Several Latin American countries have taken steps to prepare for returning citizens while voicing criticism of the Trump administration’s policies.
Mexico, for example, announced the opening of shelters to assist deported citizens. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “We are launching the program ‘Mexico embraces you’ to help our people return with dignity.”
Similarly, Honduras rolled out an initiative called “Brother, come home,” offering financial assistance, food, and employment programs for returnees.
A Policy of Controversy
Trump’s immigration policies have consistently drawn both support and criticism. Since his return to office, his administration has used military aircraft for some deportation flights, a departure from previous practices. While Trump has called the measures necessary for U.S. security, critics argue they violate basic human rights.
“These policies are causing unnecessary suffering,” said a Colombian official, who asked to remain anonymous. “The United States should adopt a humane approach to migration.”
As Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to visit Latin America later this week, Trump’s latest measures are likely to dominate discussions. However, Rubio is not scheduled to visit Colombia, raising questions about how diplomatic relations will evolve amid this escalating crisis
