Trump reacts to Colombia’s deportation rejection: "These measures are just the beginning"
President Trump responds to Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights, warning that "these measures are just the beginning," as tensions rise between the U.S. and Latin America over immigration policies.
In a sharp escalation of tensions between the United States and Colombia, President Donald Trump has responded to Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept deported Colombian migrants. Petro’s decision to deny U.S. military planes carrying deportees access to Colombia has sparked a heated debate on immigration policies and the treatment of migrants.
Petro’s stance aligns with a growing trend among Latin American countries resisting U.S. deportation practices, emphasizing the dignity and human rights of migrants. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has hinted at significant retaliatory actions.
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Trump response to Colombia's deportation rejection
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he is implementing tariffs, a travel ban, and additional measures following Colombia's decision to rejected two planes carrying migrants, and the country’s president said he would prohibit U.S. deportation flights entry.
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump, in a strongly worded statement, declared that “these measures are just the beginning,” signaling potential repercussions in U.S.-Colombia relations.
Trump statement to Petro's deportation rejection. Photo: Truth Social
The republican leader stated that the Colombian president's refusal to accept deportation flights "endangers the National Security and Public Safety of the United States."
As a result, he announced that his administration would enact "urgent and decisive retaliatory measures," which include imposing a 25 percent tariff on U.S.-bound goods from Colombia and implementing a travel ban targeting Colombian government officials, along with their allies and supporters.
Petro's statement against US deportations flights
Colombian President Gustavo Petro disclosed that the country had recently denied entry to two U.S. military planes carrying deported Colombian nationals. He emphasized that deportations should take place on civilian aircraft to guarantee the dignity and safety of those being returned.
In a statement shared on X, Petro, Colombia’s leftist leader, asserted: "A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves," reaffirming his dedication to upholding human rights.
Relations between the United States and Colombia have historically been marked by cooperation on security and trade issues, despite some distance. However, Petro's recent decision and the harsh measures announced by Trump could signal a turning point in this international partnership.
The international community hopes that both nations will pursue dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation, though this dynamic could shift dramatically due to Trump's announced actions.
