Tensions rise between Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro over Colombia's refusal to accept a military plane with migrants

Amid a growing climate of diplomatic tensions between the United States and Colombia, following the rejection by Colombian President Gustavo Petro of the arrival of a U.S. military plane carrying deported migrants from the United States to Colombian territory, President Donald Trump has not delayed in expressing his reaction.

Trump, who used his network Truth Social to launch strong criticisms and announce retaliatory measures against Colombia, wrote:

"I have just been informed that two repatriation flights coming from the United States, carrying a large number of illegal offenders, have not been allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia's socialist president, Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular among his people."

According to what the current occupant of the White House has written: “Petro's refusal of these flights has endangered the national and public security of the United States, therefore I order my Administration to immediately adopt the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures”:

• Emergency tariffs of 25% on all products entering the United States. Within a week, the 25% tariffs will increase to 50%.
• Travel ban and immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials and all their allies and supporters.
• Visa sanctions against all members of the party, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government.
• Enhanced inspections by Customs and Border Protection of all Colombian nationals and cargo for reasons of national security.
• IEEPA: Banking, financial, and treasury sanctions will be fully imposed.

These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of the criminals who forced their way into the United States!

The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also spoke on the matter, stating that Colombia's refusal to accept the flights was an irresponsible act and against previous agreements. Rubio declared:

"The Colombian president, Petro, had authorized the flights and granted all necessary permissions, but then revoked his authorization while the planes were already in the air. As today's actions demonstrate, we are unwavering in our commitment to ending illegal immigration and strengthening the border security of the United States."

In response, Gustavo Petro issued an extensive message in which he defended the dignity and sovereignty of Colombia while criticizing Trump's policies. In his statement, Petro noted that he does not like to travel to the U.S., although he confessed that "there are commendable things."

“I endured torture and I will endure you. Colombia does not submit to enslavers; we are a free and dignified nation. If you impose a 50% tariff on the fruits of our hard work, I will do the same. Colombia, the heart of the world, opens itself to the world with open arms and without fear”, declared the Colombian president.

Petro also highlighted Colombia's historical legacy of resistance and freedom, evoking figures like Simón Bolívar and events such as the struggle for the Panama Canal. His message concluded by reaffirming that Colombia will not yield to external pressures and will continue to promote freedom and humanity.

Immediately after, on the social network X, Petro instructed his Minister of Trade to "raise import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%."

"The ministry must help direct our exports to the rest of the world, apart from the U.S. Our exports need to be expanded. I invite all Colombian expatriate communities to market our products," wrote the president.

He also stated that "American products, whose prices will rise within the national economy, must be replaced by domestic production," and revealed that "the government will assist in this endeavor."

In reference to the statements by Marco Rubio, the Colombian president expressed that “I will never allow Colombians to be brought on flights in handcuffs. Marco, if that was permitted by officials from the foreign ministry, it was never under my instructions. They will be traitors. I am a man of freedom, not of chains.”

Petro offered to use civilian planes, including the presidential aircraft, to repatriate Colombian citizens who have been deported, emphasizing that he will not allow his compatriots to be treated as criminals. He also highlighted that more than 15,000 Americans are living in Colombia irregularly, suggesting that cooperation on migration matters should be reciprocal.

The escalation of tensions has raised international concern about the impact on trade and political relations between the two countries.

Analysts warn that the economic reprisals announced by Trump could have serious repercussions for Colombia, while Petro's stance reaffirms the South American country's intention not to yield to external pressures.

In this complex landscape, the future of bilateral cooperation remains uncertain, as tensions surrounding the management of migration and national sovereignty intensify.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tensions between the United States and Colombia Regarding Deportations