BOGOTA, Colombia — The president of Colombia is urging fellow citizens living in the United States without legal documentation to resign from their jobs and return to their homeland as soon as they are able.

In a recent statement shared on the X platform, Gustavo Petro emphasized, “Wealth is only generated by the working people. Let’s create social wealth in Colombia.” He expressed his administration’s willingness to assist those who heed his call by offering loans to help them start businesses upon their return.

Petro’s remarks come in the wake of a contentious exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump over immigration policies that recently escalated tensions, almost leading to a trade dispute and compromising diplomatic relations between the two nations. Petro accused the Trump administration of harsh treatment towards migrants who illegally entered the U.S., alleging that they were handcuffed and flown back to Latin America on military aircraft. The situation intensified when Petro declined to allow two of these military flights to land in Colombia, provoking outrage from Trump.

Subsequently, discussions led to a temporary resolution amidst concerns from investors that Petro’s actions were undermining Colombia’s economy, which significantly depends on trade with the U.S. The two governments reached an understanding to ease tensions.

Between 2020 and 2024, Colombia permitted a total of 475 deportation flights from the United States, ranking it fifth among countries receiving such flights, after Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. In 2024 alone, Colombia allowed 124 of these deportation flights. The ongoing situation reflects the delicate balance of immigration policy and international relations affecting both nations.