President Donald Trump has announced a series of retaliatory measures against Colombia after the country rejected two U.S. military flights intended for deporting migrants. The Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, had earlier declared that his country would not allow these flights to land, citing inappropriate treatment of Colombian migrants.
In response, Trump has directed his administration to implement immediate and decisive actions. These measures include:
- Emergency Tariffs: An initial 25% tariff on all goods imported from Colombia, with an escalation to 50% within a week if the situation does not change.
- Visa Restrictions: A travel ban and immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials, their allies, and supporters. Additionally, visa sanctions will be imposed on party members, family members, and other associates of the Colombian government.
- Enhanced Border Inspections: Stricter inspections for Colombian nationals at U.S. borders.
- Banking and Financial Sanctions: Implementation of various financial restrictions.
Petro’s decision was based on his assertion that migrants should not be treated as criminals by the U.S., and he emphasized the need for a protocol ensuring their dignified treatment. This stance has led to a significant diplomatic tension between the two nations, especially given the U.S. is Colombia’s primary trading partner and security ally.
🚨#BREAKING: President Trump has just announced a massive emergency tariffs and sanctions on Colombia after they denied deportation flights of their own citizens
President Donald Trump has just announced that he will be imposed massive emergency… pic.twitter.com/NjETdB5kee
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 26, 2025
The move by Colombia to block the flights is the first—and possibly last—attempt by a Latin American nation to resist the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. Some have complained, but nobody else has turned away flights. Earlier reports that Mexico had turned away flights were debunked by the Trump administration.
This is also the first—and possibly last—instance where such retaliatory economic and diplomatic actions have been taken by the U.S. against a country for rejecting deportation flights.
Under the Biden-Harris regime, nations like Colombia were supportive of exporting their criminals to the streets of the United States. Taking them back will be a tougher pill to swallow but it’s a pill they need to get used to immediately. As these moves by the Trump administration show, the alternative may be far worse for them.
