Colombian President Gustavo Petro has rejected two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants, sparking diplomatic tensions and sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened significant economic retaliation.
In a social media post on Sunday, Petro confirmed he had denied landing clearance to U.S. military aircraft transporting deported Colombian nationals as part of Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown. He emphasized the importance of treating migrants with dignity and respect.
“A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that every human being deserves,” Petro wrote. “I cannot force migrants to remain in a country that does not want them. But if that country returns them, it must be with dignity and respect—for both them and our nation. In civilian planes, and without treating them like criminals, we will welcome our compatriots. Colombia deserves respect.”
The flights, each carrying around 80 deported individuals, reportedly departed from California but were denied clearance by Colombia while en route. Petro has also called on the U.S. to establish protocols ensuring humane treatment of migrants before deportation.
Responding on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Petro’s decision as a threat to U.S. national security and public safety. He described the deportees as “illegal criminals” and accused Colombia’s president of failing to meet his legal obligations.
Trump announced plans for retaliatory measures, including:
- Doubling tariffs on Colombian exports to the U.S. to 50%.
- Imposing visa bans and revoking existing visas for Colombian officials and their allies.
- Tightening inspections on Colombian nationals and cargo entering the U.S.
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump stated. “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.”
The incident follows similar actions by Mexico, which refused landing clearance for a U.S. deportation flight on Saturday. Brazil, too, has voiced strong objections after a flight carrying deported Brazilians landed in Belo Horizonte with deportees reportedly shackled at the wrists and ankles. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration has vowed to demand clarification from the U.S. over the treatment of the deportees, citing violations of existing agreements.
In one case, Brazil deployed its air force to complete the transport of deportees in a humane manner after the U.S. aircraft made unscheduled stops in Panama and Manaus due to technical issues.
The events highlight growing criticism of Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. A recent Department of Homeland Security directive has expanded the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to expedite deportations. Advocates and governments in Latin America argue these measures undermine human rights.
Petro’s refusal to accept the deportation flights has ignited a broader debate on the treatment of migrants and the balance between national sovereignty and international obligations.