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Colombia 'cornered' to accept deported migrants from US after earlier opposition
Colombia 'cornered' to accept deported migrants from US after earlier opposition
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 4 mins read
Colombia has agreed to accept deported migrants from the United States, reversing its earlier opposition after intense pressure and threats of economic penalties from President Donald Trump.
The agreement comes after a diplomatic standoff that saw Colombia block two US military planes carrying deportees, prompting threats of tariffs, visa restrictions, and other punitive measures from Washington.
On Sunday evening, Colombian officials announced they had accepted “all of President Trump’s terms,” including the unrestricted acceptance of deported migrants. Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, in a televised address, stated that the government would ensure returning citizens receive “decent conditions” upon their arrival.
US deportation flights have resumed, and Colombia’s presidential plane is being prepared to assist with the repatriation process.
The White House welcomed the decision but emphasized that other penalties, such as visa sanctions and customs inspections on Colombian nationals and goods, would remain in place until the first deportation flight successfully lands in Colombia.
“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again,” read a statement from the White House. “President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States.”
Tensions Erupt Over Deportation Flights
The crisis began when Colombia refused entry to US military planes carrying deportees, despite previously granting authorization. Colombian President Gustavo Petro claimed the flights were unauthorized and accused the US of treating Colombian migrants like criminals.
President Trump responded swiftly, threatening a range of economic penalties, including tariffs on Colombian imports, a travel ban for Colombian nationals, and the suspension of visa processing. Colombian officials already in the US also faced visa revocations, a rare move against a major non-NATO ally.
In a series of social media posts, Petro criticized Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating, “You will never see me burning a US flag or carrying out a raid to return handcuffed illegal immigrants to the US.”
However, under growing pressure from economic and business leaders, Colombia agreed to a deal by Sunday evening, ending the standoff.
Economic Concerns Force Concession
The potential fallout from a trade war left Colombia little room for resistance. The US is a key trading partner, and Colombian exports such as coffee, flowers, and minerals are heavily reliant on the American market.
Maria Claudia Lacouture, head of the Colombo-American Chamber of Commerce, warned that US tariffs would have devastating consequences for Colombia’s economy. “In coffee alone, more than 500,000 families depend on this sector. In flower farming, thousands of single mothers would lose their livelihood. And we can continue adding sectors that will be affected,” she said in a statement.
Analysts from the Colombian Council on International Relations (CORI) also advised against a prolonged diplomatic feud, cautioning that retaliatory measures would harm Colombia more than the US.
Broader Implications of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The resolution with Colombia signals a broader shift in how nations may be forced to comply with Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. Administration officials described the weekend’s events as a demonstration of the consequences of defying US demands.
“You can’t go out there and publicly defy us in that way,” a senior Trump official told CNN. “We’re going to make sure the world knows they can’t get away with being nonserious and deceptive.”
This marks the first major international test of Trump’s immigration policy, with other countries, including Canada and Mexico, already facing similar threats over border issues.
Deportation Flights Draw Criticism
Meanwhile, the US use of military planes for deportation has sparked international backlash. Brazil condemned the “degrading” treatment of its nationals aboard a US deportation flight that landed in Brazil last week.
Brazilian authorities reported that 88 deportees arrived in handcuffs on a poorly maintained aircraft with a faulty air conditioning system. Brazilian officials refused to authorize the plane to continue its journey, and the migrants were eventually transported to their final destination on a Brazilian Air Force flight.
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration has defended its approach, with White House border czar Tom Homan emphasizing that the use of military planes sends a strong message.
“Our border’s closed,” Homan said, adding that deportation flights will continue daily as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
Diplomatic Lessons
While Colombia’s concession may have averted a trade war for now, the standoff underscores the economic vulnerabilities of US allies under Trump’s presidency. The agreement reflects the mounting challenges nations may face as they navigate Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and trade.
