US Suspends Tariffs on Colombia Following Agreement on Deportation Flights
The US has decided not to impose tariffs on Colombia after Bogotá agreed to accept deported migrants on US military aircraft without restrictions, the White House announced. This agreement, centered around Deportation Flights, marks the resolution of a standoff after Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially blocked such flights. The US Deportation Flights agreement ensures migrants are returned without delay while upholding their dignity.
Former President Donald Trump had threatened 25% tariffs on Colombian goods in response to Petro’s refusal to allow two US military Deportation Flights to land. Initially, Petro insisted that deported citizens be returned on civilian planes and treated respectfully. However, after diplomatic discussions, Colombia consented to the US Deportation Flights arrangement.
In a statement, the White House called the agreement a success for Trump’s firm stance, which included threats of tariffs and visa sanctions. The dispute had escalated on social media, with both leaders exchanging sharp criticisms. Petro called Trump’s tariffs a “blockade” but later indicated his willingness to resolve the issue surrounding Deportation Flights.
The White House clarified that Trump’s proposed tariffs were fully prepared for implementation should Colombia fail to uphold the US Deportation Flights agreement. Visa sanctions and stricter border inspections for Colombians will remain until the first group of deportees is successfully returned through the agreed Deportation Flights.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, stressed that the country would continue receiving deported citizens with dignity and ensure proper conditions for their return. Petro even prepared his presidential plane to assist in accommodating Colombians previously denied entry due to the halted Deportation Flights.
This resolution comes amid broader US immigration enforcement measures. Federal agents recently conducted targeted immigration arrests in Chicago, while Congress passed the Laken Riley Act, which expands immigration detention powers. Trump’s administration has consistently prioritized mass deportations, with the US Deportation Flights agreement serving as a significant victory for this agenda.
While the agreement has been celebrated as a diplomatic breakthrough, critics caution about its potential consequences. Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the Laken Riley Act as a “fundamental erosion of civil rights.” Nevertheless, the US-Colombia Deportation Flights deal underscores the growing emphasis on immigration and deportation policies.
