By Anthony Marcus, correspondent. Eurasia Business News, January 26, 2025. Article n°1404.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a series of retaliatory measures against Colombia, including a 25% tariff on all imports, following the Colombian government’s refusal to allow two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants to land. This decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions over immigration policies between the U.S. and Colombia.

Key Developments

Tariff Announcement: Trump declared that the emergency tariffs would take effect immediately and would increase to 50% within a week. This move is unprecedented, as it represents the first instance of the Trump administration imposing tariffs in response to immigration-related actions by another country.

Colombian Response: Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that his government would only accept deportation flights if there are guarantees for “dignified treatment” of migrants. He emphasized that migrants should not be treated like criminals, reflecting a broader sentiment in Latin America against harsh U.S. immigration practices.

Flight Rejections: The refusal to allow U.S. military planes to land was part of Petro’s commitment to treating Colombian nationals with respect. Reports indicate that two military aircraft were redirected after Colombia announced its decision.

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Escalating Tensions: Trump criticized Petro’s actions as jeopardizing U.S. national security and public welfare, asserting that Colombia’s refusal contravened international agreements regarding the repatriation of individuals. In addition to tariffs, Trump mentioned potential travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian officials and their supporters.

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Broader Implications

Colombia accepted 475 deportation flights from the United States from 2020 to 2024, fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, according to Witness at the Border, an advocacy group that tracks flight data. It accepted 124 deportation flights in 2024. Now we are talking about thousands of deportation flights scheduled by the Trump administration, which declared war on illegal immigration from Latin America.

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This confrontation could have significant implications for U.S.-Colombia relations, particularly as both countries navigate complex immigration issues. Colombia’s stance may inspire other Latin American nations to resist U.S. deportation policies, especially amid growing concerns about the treatment of migrants during deportation processes.As this situation develops, it remains to be seen how both governments will address these tensions and what long-term effects these actions will have on bilateral relations and regional immigration policies.

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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1404.