The White House announced on January 26 that President Donald Trump had suspended sanctions against Colombia after the country agreed to accept deported migrants from the U.S. without limitations or delays.
"The Colombian government has agreed to all terms set forth by President Trump, including accepting all unauthorized migrants returned from the United States," the White House statement read. It added that proposed tariffs and sanctions against Colombia would remain on hold unless the South American nation "fails to honor the agreement."
The announcement came just hours after President Trump threatened to impose punitive measures on Colombia for refusing to accept two U.S. deportation flights.
"Today’s developments demonstrate that the United States is once again respected on the global stage. President Trump will continue to defend national sovereignty aggressively and expects full cooperation from nations in receiving their citizens residing unlawfully in the U.S.," the statement added.
Colombia Responds
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that the impasse with the U.S. had been resolved. "The Colombian government has prepared the presidential aircraft to facilitate the return of its deported citizens," he said.
Trump’s threatened sanctions included a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, escalating to 50% within a week, as well as a travel ban and the immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials and allies of President Gustavo Petro. The sanctions would have also targeted Colombia’s treasury, banking, and financial sectors and imposed stricter border checks on Colombian citizens and goods.
Key Trading Partner
The U.S. is Colombia’s largest trading partner, with a bilateral trade value of $33.8 billion in 2023, driven largely by a 2006 free trade agreement. The top U.S. imports from Colombia include crude oil, gold, coffee, and roses.
Colombia remains one of the U.S.’s closest allies in Latin America and its third-largest trading partner in the region.
Broader Context
Trump’s administration has ramped up deportation efforts since he took office on January 20. He has prioritized deporting individuals with criminal records and described the ongoing campaign as "highly successful."
At least three U.S. deportation flights have landed in Guatemala, with both commercial and military planes being used for the operation. Images released last week showed deportees shackled at the wrists and ankles, with chains securing them around the waist as they boarded the aircraft.
The Colombian deal comes amid mounting criticism across Latin America over Trump’s aggressive deportation policies. Brazil has demanded an explanation for videos showing shackled Brazilians disembarking from U.S. planes, while Mexico refused to allow a U.S. deportation flight to land on January 24.
(Reported by AFP, Reuters)
