NewYork: Tensions between the United States and Colombia have sharply increased following a controversial deportation policy introduced by President Donald Trump. The conflict began when Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro denied permission for two U.S. military planes carrying undocumented Colombian migrants to land in Bogotá.
This decision has sparked a tit-for-tat tariff war, raising concerns about the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. President Trump, who has made immigration a key focus of his administration, reacted angrily to Colombia’s refusal. He imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from Colombia and announced visa restrictions against Colombian officials involved.
Trump argued that Colombia’s actions threatened U.S. national security, stating, “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the return of criminals to the United States.” President Petro declared that Colombia would impose a matching 25% tariff on American products. He took to social media platform X to emphasize that the U.S. must treat Colombian migrants with dignity and respect, asserting, “America cannot treat Colombian migrants like criminals.”
Petro’s administration has indicated that it will only accept deportation flights if the Trump administration establishes a respectful protocol.
The ongoing dispute highlights broader tensions in U.S.-Latin American relations, especially as Petro leads a leftist government historically criticizing U.S. policies. Since taking office in 2022, he has been Colombia’s first leftist leader and has previously opposed U.S. interventions in Latin America, including issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite these tensions, recent statements from the White House suggest that a resolution may be forthcoming. The administration claims that Colombia has accepted Trump’s terms regarding the deportation of migrants, and the tariffs imposed may be temporarily suspended as negotiations continue.