The United States and Colombia have reached a significant agreement regarding the deportation of illegal aliens, leading to the suspension of threatened tariffs and sanctions by the US against the South American nation.
President Donald Trump had previously warned of imposing strict measures, including a 25% tariff on Colombian goods and financial sanctions, after Colombia refused to accept military flights carrying deportees. However, a late Sunday statement from the White House confirmed Colombia’s compliance with the US terms, averting the penalties.
“The government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the US, including on US military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” the White House said.
In response, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo expressed relief, stating that the impasse had been resolved. He announced that Colombia was prepared to facilitate the return of its nationals using both civilian and presidential aircraft.
The draft punitive measures from the US, now on hold, included tariffs up to 50%, travel bans, visa revocations, and financial sanctions. Enhanced border inspections on Colombian cargo and nationals were also threatened but have now been suspended.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, initially opposing the use of military deportation flights, emphasized the dignity of deported migrants’ return. He criticized Trump’s aggressive approach, contrasting it with Colombia’s commitment to humane practices.
Colombia is the third-largest US trading partner in Latin America, while the US is Colombia’s largest trading partner. The resolution of this diplomatic standoff preserves critical trade relations and avoids potential economic fallout.
The agreement comes as part of Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration, which includes military involvement at the border and stricter policies on asylum and citizenship. Similar tensions have arisen with Mexico, which also refused a US military deportation flight last week, further complicating regional dynamics.
