Colombian President Offers Presidential Plane for Repatriation Amid Trump Retaliation
Colombian President Gustavo Petro offered his presidential plane for the repatriation of migrants after President Trump's retaliatory measures. Trump's threats have led to a rise in tariffs and visa restrictions against Colombia.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro offered his presidential plane to repatriate migrants returning from the U.S. on Sunday, following strong warnings from President Donald Trump.
This decision came after Trump applied retaliatory measures due to Petro's refusal to accept deportation flights. Petro, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group, quickly conceded to Trump's demands. Trump stated that Petro reversed his stance after threats of tariffs.
A statement from the Colombian government declared, "The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of the compatriots who were going to arrive in the country today in the morning, coming from deportation flights.”
American officials had previously sent two flights of Colombian illegal aliens as part of Trump's deportation strategy. Petro opposed these flights, asserting that the U.S. must not "treat Colombian migrants as criminals." He stated, "I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory," emphasizing the need for a dignified treatment protocol for migrants.
In retaliation, Trump instituted a series of punitive measures, including a 25% tariff on goods entering the U.S. from Colombia, which could escalate to 50% after one week. Additionally, there are travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their supporters.
Trump criticized Petro's rejection of the repatriation flights, stating it jeopardized U.S. national security. In response, Secretary of State Marco Rubio implemented visa restrictions aimed at prioritizing an America First agenda, including the suspension of visa issuance at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.
On Sunday, Petro retaliated by ordering an increase in tariffs on U.S. imports by 25%, later raising it to 50%, stating, "I am informed that you impose a 50% tariff on the fruits of our human labor to enter the United States, and I do the same."
During this turmoil, Speaker Mike Johnson warned of potential sanctions against nations not cooperating in accepting their citizens illegally in the U.S., emphasizing that Congress is ready to support measures reinforcing Trump's agenda.
