Former President Donald Trump announced sweeping retaliatory measures against Colombia on Sunday after the South American nation refused to allow U.S. military aircraft carrying deported migrants to land. The measures include steep tariffs, sanctions, and enhanced border inspections as part of the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Colombia, the third-largest U.S. trading partner in Latin America, responded with a threat to impose a 50% tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Trump’s actions signal a tougher U.S. foreign policy stance, with Colombia becoming the second Latin American nation, after Mexico, to reject U.S. military deportation flights. On his platform Truth Social, Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of undermining U.S. national security.
The U.S. administration announced a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, set to increase to 50% within a week, a travel ban on Colombian officials, and financial sanctions. Enhanced border inspections on Colombian cargo and nationals were also ordered.
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump wrote. “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations by refusing to take back criminals they forced into the United States.”
President Petro criticized the U.S. decision, calling the treatment of Colombian migrants “dehumanizing” and offering to repatriate migrants on civilian planes instead. Petro also highlighted the presence of undocumented Americans in Colombia, stating, “We will never treat migrants in the way the U.S. has chosen to.”
Petro’s refusal came after U.S. military aircraft carrying deported migrants from California were denied landing rights in Bogotá, prompting Trump’s retaliatory action.
Trump’s administration has declared illegal immigration a national emergency, introducing policies that include deploying the military to assist with border security and imposing strict asylum restrictions.
Mexico previously refused a similar deportation flight but has not yet faced sanctions. However, Trump has hinted at imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports by Feb. 1, citing inadequate action on illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
The U.S.-Colombia trade relationship, valued at $33.8 billion in 2023, now faces uncertainty. Key U.S. imports from Colombia include crude oil, gold, coffee, and flowers, with a rare $1.6 billion trade surplus in favor of the U.S.
Colombia’s decision comes amid broader dissatisfaction in Latin America with the U.S. deportation policy. Brazil recently condemned the “degrading treatment” of its nationals on U.S. deportation flights, including reports of handcuffed passengers on a commercial flight.
A U.S. official confirmed that military aircraft are now being used for deportations, marking a departure from past practices. The Pentagon’s involvement follows Trump’s national emergency declaration, signaling a shift in U.S. immigration enforcement.
Analysts warn that escalating tensions could have significant economic consequences. Colombia relies on the U.S. for about one-third of its exports, accounting for 4% of its GDP. Financial sanctions could further strain Colombia’s economy, experts said.
“The relationship between Trump and Petro has started on the wrong foot, and this could lead to additional challenges ahead,” said Alejo Czerwonko, Chief Investment Officer for Emerging Markets Americas at UBS Global Wealth Management.
