The White House announced Sunday that Colombia has agreed to accept U.S. deportation flights after President Trump threatened steep tariffs and sanctions. Trump’s executive actions included 25% tariffs on Colombian imports, visa restrictions for officials, and a suspension of visa processing in Bogota.
The conflict began after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to accept U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants, citing concerns over their treatment. Petro demanded protocols ensuring migrants were treated with “dignity” and retaliated by raising Colombian tariffs on U.S. goods by 25%.
Following Trump’s threat to double tariffs within a week, Colombia agreed to accept deportees without restrictions, including on U.S. military aircraft. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that tariff measures are on hold but visa restrictions remain until the first deportation flight is completed.
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Murillo stated that the impasse was resolved, emphasizing Colombia’s commitment to receiving deportees with dignity. Petro’s government made its presidential aircraft available for the return of migrants.
The U.S.-Colombia relationship has faced tension since Petro, a former leftist guerrilla, assumed office in 2022. Colombia ranks fifth in accepting U.S. deportation flights, receiving 124 flights in 2024.
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