In a diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Colombia have resolved their dispute over the deportation of migrants, with Colombia agreeing to accept repatriated citizens without restrictions. The White House announced the agreement, which averts the imposition of 25% tariffs on Colombian goods that had been threatened by President Donald Trump in response to Colombia’s refusal to accept two US military deportation flights.
The disagreement began on Sunday when Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied entry to the US military deportation planes, insisting that migrants should be returned on “civilian planes” and treated with dignity. Petro emphasized that the deported individuals should not be treated like criminals, a stance that led to escalating tensions between the two countries.
In response, President Trump ordered retaliatory measures, including tariffs on all Colombian goods, visa sanctions, and enhanced inspections at the US border. However, within hours, both sides seemed to have found common ground, and the White House confirmed that Colombia had agreed to accept migrants arriving on US military aircraft “without limitation or delay.”
The White House hailed this resolution as a victory for Trump’s hard-line immigration stance, emphasizing that Colombia had agreed to “all of President Trump’s demands.” However, the US administration made it clear that the tariffs would still be imposed if Colombia failed to uphold the agreement. Visa sanctions and enhanced border inspections will also remain in place until the first deportation flight is successfully completed.
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that the country would continue to accept deported citizens, ensuring their return with dignity and in line with their rights. He added that Colombia would facilitate the return of those deported earlier on the blocked military flights.
In response, President Petro struck a defiant tone, saying, “Your blockade does not scare me, because Colombia, besides being the country of beauty, is the heart of the world.” Despite this, he later acknowledged the resolution and indicated a willingness to work through diplomatic channels to ensure the smooth return of deported migrants.
The dispute over deportation flights came amid a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has vowed to carry out “mass deportations” and signed several executive orders to expand the power of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The US Congress also passed the Laken Riley Act, which grants immigration authorities more authority to detain migrants.
As diplomatic talks continue, the resolution between the US and Colombia marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the treatment of deported migrants.
