Colombia yields to Trump’s deportee demands after tariff threats

Colombia has agreed to accept deported migrants on US military flights, averting a potential trade war with the United States after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions. The agreement, reached on Sunday, follows Colombia’s initial refusal to allow two US deportation flights to land, sparking tensions.

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed the country will accept deportees and ensure humane treatment, with deportation flights resuming immediately. The US, in turn, paused tariff threats but maintained visa restrictions and customs inspections until the first flight is successfully completed.

The conflict arose after videos surfaced of South Sudanese migrants being mistreated, sparking outrage and riots in South Sudan. Trump had ordered steep tariffs on Colombian imports and visa bans on Colombian officials in retaliation. Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially rejected the flights, accusing the US of treating migrants like criminals.

The diplomatic standoff highlights the broader challenges of Trump’s immigration policies, with other nations like Mexico and Brazil also pushing back on US deportation practices. Economic analysts warned that a trade war could devastate Colombia’s coffee and flower industries, affecting millions of workers.

Brazil joined Colombia in condemning the treatment of deportees on US military flights, citing poor conditions and inhumane treatment of migrants.

The US has ramped up deportation efforts under Trump, using military aircraft to return migrants and sending a strong signal to other nations to comply. Despite the agreement with Colombia, the situation underscores the fragile nature of US relations with its allies over immigration policies.

By: Linda Akite