President Donald Trump announced sweeping sanctions against Colombia on January 26, including a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, escalating to 50% within a week, after Bogotá denied entry to two U.S. deportation flights. The measures also include travel bans, visa cancellations for Colombian officials and supporters of President Gustavo Petro, and heightened screening of Colombian citizens at U.S. airports.
“These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations to accept back the criminals they forced into the U.S.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also unveiled emergency sanctions targeting Colombia’s treasury, banking system, and financial sector, while ordering stricter border controls for Colombian citizens and goods.
Colombia Responds with Countermeasures
President Petro initially threatened a 50% tariff on U.S. imports but later instructed his trade minister to impose a 25% tariff instead. The U.S. is Colombia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $33.8 billion in 2023, including a $1.6 billion surplus for the U.S. Key imports from Colombia include crude oil, gold, coffee, and roses, enabled by a 2006 free trade agreement.
Colombia, traditionally one of the U.S.’s closest allies in Latin America, faces rising tensions over Trump’s aggressive deportation policies.
Deportation Flights Spark Diplomatic Clash
The sanctions follow Colombia’s refusal to allow two U.S. military planes carrying about 160 deported migrants into its airspace. President Petro declared, “The U.S. cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals,” insisting flights would only be permitted under protocols guaranteeing “respectful treatment” of deportees.
A U.S. official accused Petro of reneging on pre-approved flight clearances while the planes were en route. Petro responded by offering to send Colombia’s presidential plane to retrieve deportees in a manner he deemed respectful.
Regional Fallout
Trump’s deportation campaign, a cornerstone of his immigration policy, has faced growing backlash across Latin America. Brazil demanded explanations over videos showing deported Brazilians shackled on U.S. planes. Mexico similarly refused to allow a U.S. deportation flight to land on January 24.
Despite regional pushback, the Trump administration continues to employ both military and commercial aircraft for deportations, with at least three flights landing in Guatemala. Images released last week show migrants shackled hand and foot as they board deportation flights.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the sanctions, stating, “America will no longer be deceived or exploited. President Petro agreed to these flights and then revoked clearance at the last minute.”
Trump remains firm on his stance, reiterating his pledge to prioritize the deportation of those with criminal records. “We are removing the worst criminals—the most hardened offenders. This is just the beginning,” he said.
(Reported by AFP, Reuters)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
