WASHINGTON, D.C. – The ongoing dispute between Colombia and the United States regarding deportation flights has reached a resolution, but not without sharp criticism from Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The agreement sees Colombia accepting deported nationals from the U.S. without restrictions, including flights operated by U.S. military aircraft.
The standoff began when President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports after Colombia refused to accept deportation flights. In retaliation, President Petro announced a matching 25% tariff on U.S. imports. Facing mounting economic pressure, Petro ultimately agreed to cooperate to avoid further escalation, but he did not hold back in condemning the U.S. approach.
Petro strongly criticized the use of military aircraft for deportations, arguing that deported Colombians should be treated with dignity and transported on civilian planes. He also framed the dispute as a matter of sovereignty, expressing his disdain for what he characterized as Trump’s dismissive attitude toward Colombia and its people.
While agreeing to the terms under economic duress, Petro fired back at Trump’s policies, highlighting Colombia’s resilience and its long-standing history predating modern American influence. He accused the U.S. of exploiting power dynamics in ways he deemed oppressive and divisive.
“You may kill me, but I’ll survive in my people, who existed in the Americas long before yours. You don’t like our freedom, fine. I won’t shake hands with white enslavers”
This resolution marks a period of heightened tensions, during which both nations engaged in economic and diplomatic retaliation, including visa restrictions. The agreement now aims to restore relations between the historically close allies, although the sharp rhetoric from Petro underscores lingering dissatisfaction.
