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Tariff War Begins Under Trump. US Acts After Colombia Refuses Migrant Flights

US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered sweeping tariffs and sanctions against Colombia in retaliation for its refusal to accept deportation flights.

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Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump, in his first week back in office, announced sweeping tariffs and sanctions against Colombia in response to its refusal to accept deportation flights. In retaliation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro imposed a 25% tariff on US goods, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Trump initiated the measures after Colombian planes turned away deportation flights carrying migrants. He vowed to impose a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, with the possibility of increasing it to 50% within a week. However, legal questions surround the move, as Colombia and the US are bound by a free trade agreement.

In addition, Trump announced the immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials and Petro’s allies, while promising stricter airport screenings for Colombians. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its obligations regarding the acceptance of criminals they forced into the United States! Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

President Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader, responded with defiance, instructing his trade minister to levy a 25% tariff on US imports. On social media platform X, he asserted, You will never dominate us. Petro also barred US planes carrying deported Colombians from landing in Colombia, calling for the migrants to be treated with dignity.

Petro offered an alternative, stating that Colombia was ready to send its presidential plane to repatriate its citizens under humane conditions. He expressed openness to receiving civilian flights carrying deportees, provided they were treated respectfully.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, claimed Petro initially authorized deportation flights but revoked the authorization mid-flight, forcing planes to turn back. Petro urged undocumented Americans living in Colombia to regularize their status, emphasizing that Colombia would not conduct raids or deportations against them.

This diplomatic standoff comes ahead of Secretary Rubio’s scheduled visit to Latin America, excluding Colombia. Petro’s actions have drawn criticism within his own country, with former President Ivan Duque accusing him of recklessness and warning that US sanctions could have devastating effects.

Trump’s deportation policies are creating friction with several Latin American nations. Brazil criticized the Trump administration after Brazilian migrants were reportedly deported in handcuffs, denied water, and restrained during flights.

Despite the controversy, many Latin American nations have launched programs to welcome back deportees. Mexico, for instance, has introduced a scheme called Mexico Embraces You, offering shelter and support for returnees. Honduras has unveiled a program called Brother, Come Home, providing solidarity payments, food, and employment assistance for returning citizens.

Meanwhile, Trump’s use of military aircraft for deportation flights marks a significant shift from previous administrations, further fueling debates over the handling of migrants and their treatment during deportations.

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