Trump vs. Petro: Migration crisis escalates with tariffs, retaliation

World news: Colombia made a dramatic U-turn on Sunday regarding its stance on accepting nationals deported from the United States after initially refusing deportation flights. The decision followed sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump, who announced emergency tariffs in retaliation. Since Trump’s return to the White House, deportation flights have sparked international headlines, underscoring mounting tensions over migration policies.

Faced with Trump’s punitive measures, Colombian President Gustavo Petro arranged for the presidential aircraft to ensure the "dignified return" of Colombian nationals deported from the US. "The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has made the presidential aircraft available to facilitate the dignified return of fellow nationals," a statement from the President's office confirmed on Sunday.

Commitment to Dignified Treatment

In response to the crisis, Colombia’s government announced the creation of a dedicated task force to oversee the humane treatment of deported citizens. The Unified Command Post (PMU) on migration will include representatives from the Defense Ministry, the Chancellor's Office, and other agencies. "This body's objective is to establish and review protocols that ensure dignified treatment of deported Colombians, guaranteeing respect for human rights and the integrity of each individual," the statement said.

Colombia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens and pledged to maintain active dialogue with the US to establish fair agreements on deportation processes. "The Government of Colombia maintains active conversations with the Government of the United States, seeking agreements that ensure minimum conditions of respect and dignified treatment for fellow citizens during deportation processes," it added.

Trump’s Sanctions Spark Colombian Retaliation

Colombia’s policy reversal came after Trump imposed emergency tariffs of 25% on Colombian imports. The escalation began when Petro rejected two US military flights carrying deported migrants and called for better protocols. Trump responded with sanctions that included a travel ban for Colombian citizens, visa revocations for officials, and increased import tariffs.

President Petro, in retaliation, announced a 25% hike on US imports, accusing Trump of failing to treat migrants with dignity. “The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals,” Petro said in a post on X, criticizing the US approach.

Efforts to Resolve Migration Challenges

Despite the standoff, Colombia expressed its commitment to leading international efforts toward humane solutions for migration. The government emphasized its dedication to safeguarding its nationals while pursuing policies that balance sovereignty and diplomacy.