U.S. and Colombia Avert Trade War Over Deportation Flights
The United States and Colombia narrowly avoided a trade war after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights from the U.S., following a tense standoff between the two nations. The dispute began when Colombia initially refused to allow two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants to land, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten steep tariffs, visa restrictions, and a travel ban on Colombian officials. The White House announced late Sunday that Colombia had agreed to accept the flights “without limitation or delay,” leading to the suspension of the proposed retaliatory measures.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had earlier insisted that deported migrants be treated with dignity and returned on civilian planes, not military aircraft. Petro criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of viewing Colombians as an “inferior race” and vowing to resist U.S. pressure. In response to Trump’s threats, Petro ordered a 25% increase in import tariffs on U.S. goods, emphasizing the need to protect Colombian dignity and sovereignty. However, after negotiations, Colombia agreed to accept the deportation flights, with Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo stating that the country would continue to receive deported migrants while ensuring “dignified conditions.”
The resolution highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and Latin American nations over immigration policies. Trump’s administration has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, including the use of military aircraft for deportations, a move that has drawn criticism from regional leaders. Petro’s initial defiance and subsequent compromise underscore the delicate balance between national pride and diplomatic pragmatism in the face of U.S. pressure. The agreement also raises questions about the broader implications of Trump’s immigration crackdown, particularly for U.S. allies in the region.
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