After US tariff call, Colombia agrees to Trump’s terms on migrants, ‘won’t face sanctions’

These actions came after Colombia refused to allow two US military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants to land. Trump called Colombia’s decision a violation of its legal obligations, saying on his platform Truth Social, “These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its obligations or jeopardise our security.”

Colombia responds with tariffs on US goods

Colombian President Gustavo Petro retaliated by increasing tariffs on US goods by 25%. He also threatened to raise them to 50% if the US persisted with its sanctions. In a defiant message on X (formerly Twitter), Petro declared, “Your blockade doesn’t scare me.”

Trump, a mi no me gusta mucho viajar a los EEUU, es un poco aburridor, pero confieso que hay cosas meritorias, me gusta ir a los barrios negros de Washington, allí ví una lucha entera en la capital de los EEUU entre negros y latinos con barricadas, que me pareció una pendejada,…

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 26, 2025

Petro criticised the treatment of migrants deported by the US, stating, “A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity a human being deserves.” He added that Colombia would only accept deported nationals on civilian aircraft and under humane conditions.

To facilitate this, Petro announced that Colombia’s presidential aircraft would be made available to repatriate its citizens.

US suspends visa issuance in Colombia

In response to Petro’s stance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended the issuance of US visas at the embassy in Bogotá. Rubio accused Colombia of cancelling flight authorisations while planes were already en route.

A senior US official told AP, “This is a clear message that countries have an obligation to accept their citizens who are deported.” The State Department also announced sanctions on Colombian officials and their supporters.

Migrants and trade at the centre of tensions

Colombians have increasingly appeared at the US-Mexico border in recent years, with over 127,000 arrests for illegal crossings in a 12-month period through September. Colombia ranked fifth among countries accepting deportation flights from the US between 2020 and 2024.

Colombia’s exports to the US include crude oil, coal, coffee, gold, and fresh-cut flowers. Trump’s tariffs could lead to higher prices for items like coffee and Valentine’s Day flowers.

Criticism from both sides of the aisle

The sanctions sparked mixed reactions in the US. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s moves, saying they reinforce his “America First” agenda.

Colombia and all nations should be on notice – Congress is fully prepared to pass sanctions and other measures against those that do not fully cooperate or follow through on requirements to accept their citizens who are illegally in the United States.

President Trump is putting…

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 26, 2025

However, Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised the tariffs, arguing they would worsen inflation. “Breakfast will get more expensive for Americans because Colombia is a major exporter of coffee,” she said.

A brewing diplomatic standoff

As tensions escalate, both nations are taking steps that could disrupt trade and diplomatic ties. Colombia has proposed further retaliatory measures, while Trump vowed to take additional steps if necessary.

The situation highlights growing strains over immigration and trade between the two countries, with both leaders refusing to back down.

Colombia reverses stance on US deportation flights amid tariff threat

🔴 #Atención | El Presidente @PetroGustavo dispone avión presidencial para el retorno digno de connacionales y liderará esfuerzos en la Asamblea Extraordinaria de la CELAC. pic.twitter.com/6ML5c8qjOp

— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) January 26, 2025

Colombia has made a U-turn on its initial refusal to accept US deportation flights, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% retaliatory tariffs on the country .

The Colombian government has arranged for the presidential plane to facilitate the “dignified return” of its nationals who were deported from the US. This move comes after a standoff between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the treatment of migrants during deportation.