Edit Visa & Immigration

Colombia Agrees to Accept Deportation Flights Amid U.S. Immigration Crackdown

The U.S. and Colombia avoided a trade war after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights carrying migrants, including on U.S. military aircraft. The agreement comes after President Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions to pressure Colombia into compliance as part of his intensified immigration crackdown.

 

Background and Agreement

Initially, Colombia had refused to accept military deportation flights, prompting the U.S. to prepare punitive measures, including:

Tariffs: 25% on Colombian goods, increasing to 50% within a week.

Travel Bans: Revoking visas for Colombian officials.

Financial Sanctions: Emergency restrictions on Colombian treasury, banking, and cargo inspections.

Late Sunday, Colombia agreed to accept all deported migrants, avoiding immediate penalties.

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed the resolution, stating, "We have overcome the impasse with the U.S. government." Colombia also offered its presidential plane to assist with the return of deported Colombians.

 

Tensions with Latin America

Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized military deportation flights and the use of handcuffs on migrants, likening the U.S. actions to a disregard for human dignity. However, he pledged to ensure a dignified return for deported Colombians on civilian aircraft.

Similar tensions arose with Mexico, which last week refused to allow U.S. military aircraft to land with deportees.

Trade and Economic Implications

Colombia is the third-largest U.S. trading partner in Latin America, while the U.S. remains Colombia's largest trading partner.

Potential tariffs could have significantly impacted the Colombian economy and U.S.-Colombia trade relations.

Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown

Since declaring illegal immigration a national emergency last Monday, Trump has implemented:

Enhanced military involvement at the border.

Broad bans on asylum applications.

Restrictions on birthright citizenship.

Trump is also considering 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1 to address illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis.

This agreement with Colombia reflects escalating tensions and the high stakes involved in Trump's aggressive immigration policies.