Colombian President Gustavo Petro has opposed the use of U.S. military planes for deporting migrants, denying such flights entry into Colombian airspace.
"The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants like criminals. I forbid U.S. planes carrying Colombian migrants from entering our territory," President Petro wrote on social media platform X on January 26, emphasizing that such flights would only be accepted if Washington established a protocol ensuring "respectful treatment" of migrants.
In a follow-up post, Petro stated that he had "ordered U.S. military planes carrying Colombian migrants to turn back," without providing additional details.
Reuters reported that Colombia rejected two U.S. military planes carrying about 160 migrants. Petro clarified that civilian flights returning deported Colombians would be allowed, provided the individuals were not treated "like criminals."
Petro's remarks reflect growing discontent across Latin America regarding the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts targeting undocumented immigrants.
Brazil’s foreign ministry announced plans to demand an explanation from the U.S. government over alleged "mistreatment" of Brazilian citizens. This followed the circulation of video footage showing deportees disembarking from a U.S. plane in Manaus, northern Brazil, on January 25, with their hands and feet shackled.
Mexico also blocked a U.S. deportation flight from landing on January 24.
At least three U.S. deportation flights have landed in Guatemala so far. The Trump administration is currently using both commercial and military aircraft for the operation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on January 23 that the Trump administration had apprehended "538 illegal immigrant criminals," including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and individuals convicted of sex crimes involving minors.
President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the deportation of individuals with criminal records, describing the ongoing campaign as a success. "We are deporting the worst criminals, the toughest ones. These are the worst people you’ll ever meet, the worst you’ve ever seen. We’re getting rid of them first," Trump emphasized.
(Source: AFP, Reuters, Colombia Reports)
