BOGOTA, Colombia — On Sunday, the White House celebrated a perceived triumph in its discussions with Colombia regarding the acceptance of deported migrants from the United States. This came shortly after President Donald Trump issued warnings of significant tariffs and other penalties against Colombia, a long-standing ally, amidst disagreements related to the deportation process.
The U.S. and Colombia, traditionally close partners in combating drug trafficking, entered a heated dispute over migrant deportations on Sunday, which served as a stark reminder to other nations about the consequences of opposing the Trump administration’s policies on illegal immigration. The White House highlighted this episode as a cautionary tale for countries considering intervention in its immigration enforcement actions.
Responding to President Gustavo Petro’s rejection of two military aircraft from the U.S. that were slated to bring back deported migrants, Trump initiated a series of punitive measures. These included imposing visa restrictions and a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Colombia, indicating that the tariff would escalate to 50% within a week. Petro’s refusal stemmed from his criticism of Trump’s handling of migrants, prompting Colombia to retaliate with its own 25% tariff increase on American goods.
Trump articulated that such measures were essential to protect national security, claiming that Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights put U.S. safety at risk. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “We cannot allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States.”
In a statement released later that night, press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that Colombia had ultimately agreed to all of Trump’s conditions, which included accepting deported individuals from the U.S. without restriction or delay. While Leavitt mentioned that the tariff orders would remain unsigned for now, she confirmed that Trump’s visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced customs checks on Colombian imports would stay in effect until the arrival of the first deportation flight.
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that the dispute had been resolved, with Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo announcing, “We have overcome the impasse with the United States government.” He pledged to continue receiving returning Colombians under dignified conditions and mentioned that Colombia’s presidential aircraft would be made available for the repatriation of migrants.
Furthermore, on Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the implementation of visa restrictions on Colombian officials tied to the obstruction of U.S. repatriation flights, in addition to suspending visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Petro previously indicated that the Colombian government would not accept flights carrying U.S. deportees until a protocol ensuring humane treatment was established.
After the threat of tariffs, Petro instructed that the foreign trade minister increase tariffs on U.S. imports by 25%. Historically a key ally for the U.S. in Latin America, the relationship has faced challenges since Petro assumed office as Colombia’s first leftist president in 2022, seeking to redefine the country’s stance in international relations.
Colombia had previously accepted 475 deportation flights from the U.S. between 2020 and 2024, ranking fifth among countries receiving such flights. In 2024 alone, it handled 124 deportation flights. Colombia’s role extended to accepting U.S.-funded deportation flights from Panama as part of broader migrant management efforts.
In the wake of the recent developments, a senior administration official indicated that the move was a clear message that countries have a duty to accept repatriation flights. Rubio also affirmed that Petro’s government had revoked its approval for the flights while they were in transit.
In recent years, the increase in Colombian migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border has been notable, facilitated by a visa system that permits easy travel to Mexico. From September of the previous year, Colombian nationals ranked fourth in apprehensions related to illegal crossings.
Despite these tensions, it is worth mentioning that Mexico continues to accept Colombian travelers without imposing visa restrictions, differing from its policies toward other nationalities like Venezuelans.
The Colombian administration reiterated that its presidential aircraft would be ready to ensure the dignified return of migrants scheduled to arrive on U.S. military flights. As part of broader efforts to enforce his immigration policies, Trump’s administration is also utilizing active-duty military personnel for border security and deportation operations.
This week alone saw two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo planes transporting deported individuals land in Guatemala, with Honduras also receiving flights that included 193 deportees. Additionally, Colombia stands as the fourth-largest overseas supplier of crude oil to the U.S., contributing significantly to the American economy through oil and fresh flower exports.
