President Donald Trump announced a sweeping response to Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights from the United States. Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked the confrontation by stating that his country would not allow U.S. planes carrying deported migrants to land unless there were guarantees of “dignified treatment.”
In a series of posts on X, Petro declared, “The U.S. can’t treat Colombian migrants like criminals.” He insisted that his government would not authorize deportation flights until the U.S. established a humane protocol for handling the migrants.
Trump wasted no time responding. On Sunday, he announced strict tariffs, visa restrictions, and other retaliatory measures. “We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He called Petro’s stance a threat to U.S. national security and public safety.
Effective immediately, a 25% tariff has been placed on all Colombian goods entering the U.S. Trump warned that the tariff will double to 50% in one week if Colombia does not cooperate. In addition, Colombian government officials, allies, and supporters now face a travel ban and immediate visa revocations. Trump extended visa sanctions to members of Petro’s political party, their families, and supporters.
Other measures include heightened inspections on Colombian nationals and cargo entering the U.S., citing national security concerns. Trump also directed the Treasury Department to impose financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump emphasized. He accused Petro of jeopardizing the safety of Americans by denying entry to repatriation flights. “Colombia has forced criminals into the United States, and they must be returned,” he insisted.
The clash highlights growing tensions between the two nations. Trump framed the issue as a matter of enforcing legal obligations and protecting U.S. sovereignty. Petro, on the other hand, called for humane treatment of migrants, rejecting what he described as criminalizing rhetoric.
Trump’s aggressive measures are likely to have significant economic and diplomatic repercussions. Colombia relies heavily on trade with the U.S., and the announced tariffs could deal a major blow to its economy. The travel and visa restrictions further strain relations between the two countries.
The standoff signals a tough stance from Trump as he pushes his immigration enforcement policies while sending a message to foreign leaders who challenge U.S. deportation practices. How Petro’s government will respond remains to be seen.