U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping retaliatory measures against Colombia on Sunday, January 26, following the country’s decision to block U.S. military deportation flights.
This unexpected move marks a significant shift in Trump’s immigration policy during his early days in office, raising concerns about the balance between enforcement and diplomacy. 
Earlier that day, Colombian President Gustavo Petro revealed that two U.S. military flights carrying migrants had been denied entry.
He urged the U.S. to improve its handling of migrants and suggested that Colombia would accept repatriated migrants only on civilian planes.
“American citizens who wish to do so can be in Colombia, I believe in human freedom,” Petro wrote on X, highlighting his openness to U.S. citizens regularizing their stay in Colombia.
In response, Trump announced tariffs and sanctions aimed at pressuring Colombia into compliance.
A 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, travel bans for Colombian citizens, and the revocation of visas for Colombian officials were among the measures introduced.
Furthermore, stricter cargo inspections and financial sanctions on Colombian government affiliates were ordered.
“These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!” Trump declared on Truth Social.
The rejected flights, initially approved by Colombian authorities, were abruptly canceled, leaving U.S. officials frustrated.
This clash signals the first major immigration dispute of Trump’s second term, sparking debates over his approach.
Meanwhile, Petro offered his presidential plane to assist with repatriation efforts, emphasizing his intent to manage the situation humanely.
The U.S. has also been repatriating migrants to Guatemala using military aircraft and is working with Mexico to facilitate deportations via land.
However, Colombia’s stance highlights the complexities of balancing international relations with strict immigration policies.
