The diplomatic tensions between the United States and Colombia came to a resolution after a weekend standoff over deportation flights. The row began on Sunday when Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to authorize the landing of two US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants. The flights, which originated from California and Texas, were using US military planes, a method that drew objections from the Colombian government.
President Gustavo Petro asserted that transporting migrants on military planes treated them as criminals. He emphasized the need for "dignified conditions" for those being deported back to Colombia.
"But do not demand that I accept deportees from the US, handcuffed and on military aircraft," – Gustavo Petro
Despite the initial refusal, the Colombian government later confirmed the arrival of two planes in Bogota carrying 201 migrants in total—110 from California and 90 from Texas. President Petro expressed that these migrants should be welcomed back into their homeland with dignity and respect.
"They are Colombians. They are free and dignified, and they are in their homeland where they are loved," – Gustavo Petro
Historically, Colombia had allowed the repatriation of its citizens deported from the US under previous administrations. However, the current confrontation led to the Trump administration taking a hard stance. The US responded by suspending visa issuance at its embassy in Bogota and imposing a travel ban on Colombian officials involved in obstructing the flights. Furthermore, President Trump threatened to levy tariffs starting at 25 percent on Colombian goods, potentially escalating to 50 percent if unresolved within a week.
The standoff concluded with a deal reached late Sunday, allowing deportation flights to continue under revised conditions. The agreement stipulated that migrants would now be transported on Colombian air force planes rather than US military aircraft. Additionally, Colombia agreed to resume accepting deportees in "dignified conditions," utilizing the presidential plane for future repatriations.
US officials praised the resolution as a diplomatic success, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing migration issues. Meanwhile, President Petro reiterated his stance on treating migrants with humanity and respect.
"The migrant is not a criminal. He is a human being who wants to work and progress, to live life." – Gustavo Petro
