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Diplomatic tension between the United States and Colombia intensified this Sunday after the Colombian government rejected a flight with deportees from the United States.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the Colombian government for canceling the authorization of a flight carrying Colombian deportees while the planes were already in the air.
Rubio stated in an official statement that the Donald Trump administration will not tolerate abuses or lies, and emphasized the responsibility of each country to promptly and responsibly receive its citizens in irregular situations.
"President Trump has made it clear that, under his administration, the United States will no longer be a target of lies or abuses. It is the responsibility of each nation to seriously and swiftly repatriate its citizens who are illegally in the United States,” Rubio shared on his X account.
Additionally, he assured that Colombia had initially approved the flights and granted the necessary authorizations, but revoked this decision at the last moment, when the planes were already in transit.
“The Colombian president, Petro, had authorized the flights and granted all necessary permissions, but then he revoked his authorization when the planes were already in the air. As today's actions demonstrate, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and strengthen the border security of the United States,” declared the U.S. official.
For his part, the Colombian president responded vigorously, rejecting the conditions imposed by the United States and defending his sovereign stance. In one of his messages, he stated:
"I will never allow Colombians to be brought on flights in handcuffs. Marco, if officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs permitted that, it was never under my direction. They will be traitors. I am a man of freedom, not of chains."
In a second tweet, Petro expanded on his response by addressing the regional context and the causes of migration:
"We have never refused to receive migrants and have sought to halt migration. The stupid blockade on Venezuela was what triggered millions of migrants to the U.S. But do not demand that we accept those deported from the U.S, handcuffed and on a military plane. We are not anyone's colony."
The recent conflict between the United States and Colombia escalated when Petro rejected the arrival of U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombians.
In response, Donald Trump, President of the United States, imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and suspended the issuance of visas for Colombian officials and their allies, accusing Petro of jeopardizing the national security of the United States.
Amid this crisis, the temporary president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Honduran leader Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, called for an urgent summit to address the migration crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The meeting aims to address migration tensions, analyze the deportation policies of the United States, and promote actions that ensure a humanitarian treatment of migrants in the region.
According to experts, this confrontation reflects the ideological differences between both leaders and could have significant economic implications, as the United States is a key commercial partner for Colombia.
Additionally, it highlights the tensions in the region regarding the deportation policies of the United States, with other Latin American countries, such as Brazil and Mexico, also expressing their displeasure over the treatment of their deported citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diplomatic Tension between the U.S. and Colombia over Deportee Flights
Why did Colombia reject flights with deportees from the U.S.?
Colombia rejected flights with deportees because President Gustavo Petro opposed receiving Colombians handcuffed and transported on military planes, which he considered an undignified treatment. Petro emphasized that he will not allow his citizens to be treated as criminals and demanded the use of civilian aircraft and a dignified treatment protocol for migrants.
What measures has the U.S. taken following Colombia's refusal?
In response to Colombia's refusal, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and suspended the issuance of visas for Colombian officials and their allies. These measures were taken in retaliation and on the grounds that Colombia's refusal poses a threat to the national security of the U.S.
How has the international community reacted to the crisis between the U.S. and Colombia?
The international community, especially in Latin America, has expressed concern about the impact of this crisis on trade and political relations. The president of CELAC, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, called for an urgent summit to address the migration crisis in the region and promote humane treatment of migrants.
What economic implications could this situation have for Colombia?
Economic reprisals from the U.S., such as the 25% tariffs on Colombian products, could have serious repercussions for Colombia's economy. The U.S. is a key trading partner for Colombia, and these measures could significantly impact exports and the Colombian economy as a whole.
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