Trump Responds to Colombia’s Socialist President Denying Deportation Flights [WATCH]

President Donald Trump expressed his frustration on Sunday after Colombia refused to allow two U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants to land.

BREAKING: President of Colombia Gustavo Petro denies entry of American planes carrying illegal aliens who originated from Colombia.

“The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals.

I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory.

The… pic.twitter.com/henbdSWL3Q

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 26, 2025

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

The move by Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro prompted Trump to announce a series of retaliatory measures, including significant tariffs and sanctions.

“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia,” Trump stated in a post on Sunday.

He attributed the decision to Colombia’s leftist leader, Gustavo Petro, whom he described as “already very unpopular amongst his people.”

Trump added that Petro’s refusal to accept the deportees “jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States.”

In response, Trump announced an “emergency 25% tariff” on all Colombian goods entering the United States, with plans to double the tariff to 50% within a week if the issue is not resolved.

“This is an unacceptable act that requires immediate and firm action,” Trump said.

The president also outlined additional measures aimed at pressuring Colombia.

These include a travel ban and visa revocations for Colombian government officials, sanctions on members of Petro’s political party and government supporters, enhanced customs and border inspections for Colombian nationals, and financial and banking sanctions.

Trump’s announcement escalates tensions between the U.S. and Colombia over the deportation process.

The flights, which carried deported migrants from the United States, were reportedly part of a broader effort to return illegal immigrants to their home countries.

Petro, however, criticized the use of military aircraft for the repatriation and demanded that the U.S. utilize civilian planes and establish more humane protocols for the deportees.

Colombian President Petro defended his position, stating that his government would accept deported migrants only under specific conditions.

“We will receive our fellow citizens on civilian planes, without treating them like criminals,” Petro said, adding that deportees must be returned “with dignity and respect for them and for our country.”

Petro’s rejection of the flights marks another point of contention in U.S.-Colombia relations, which have faced challenges over issues such as drug trafficking, trade policies, and human rights.

Trump’s announcement of tariffs and sanctions underscores his administration’s hardline stance on countries that fail to cooperate with U.S. immigration policies.

The incident comes amid heightened efforts by the Trump administration to address illegal immigration and enforce deportation orders.

The administration has increased deportations, often using military planes for repatriation flights to various countries.

The tariffs and sanctions announced by Trump are expected to have significant economic implications for Colombia, a country that relies heavily on exports to the United States.

As tensions rise, the outcome of these measures could have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between the two nations.

While the U.S. seeks to enforce its immigration policies, Petro’s response reflects his government’s insistence on being treated as a partner rather than a subordinate.

The standoff raises questions about how the two countries will navigate future deportation agreements and broader diplomatic relations.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.