Trump Forces Colombia to Accept Deported Migrants After Threat of Trade War
US President Donald Trump has successfully pressured Colombia into accepting deported migrants from the United States, following threats of steep tariffs and a potential trade war.
The White House confirmed on Sunday that Colombia had agreed to Trump’s demands after initially rejecting flights carrying deported Colombian nationals. Trump had threatened 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian goods, sparking a tense diplomatic standoff with Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Colombia Backs Down
The crisis began when Colombia refused entry to two US military planes carrying deported migrants as part of Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown. In response, Trump accused Petro of jeopardising US national security and vowed “urgent and decisive” measures, including economic sanctions.
Initially, Petro struck a defiant tone, threatening 50% tariffs on US imports and declaring, “Your blockade does not scare me.” However, after days of mounting pressure, Colombia agreed to Trump’s terms.
In a statement, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed an agreement had been reached to resolve the impasse. The White House stated that Colombia would now accept deported migrants without restrictions or delay, with Trump holding potential sanctions “in reserve” should Colombia fail to comply.
Heated Exchanges
The diplomatic row was marked by fiery rhetoric on both sides. Petro accused Trump of acting out of greed, declaring on social media, “You don’t like our freedom, okay. I don’t shake hands with white slavers.” He also warned of resistance across the Americas should Trump attempt to undermine Colombia’s sovereignty.
Trump, in turn, posted a defiant message on Truth Social, stating, “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations.” The post was accompanied by an AI-generated image of Trump wearing a fedora with a sign reading “FAFO” (an acronym for “f*** around, find out”).
A Warning to Other Nations
Sunday’s White House statement made it clear that the administration expects similar compliance from other nations. “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again,” the statement read, adding that other countries must cooperate in accepting deported citizens.
The standoff follows mounting tensions with other nations over Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Last week, Mexico blocked a US military flight carrying deportees, and Brazil condemned the treatment of its nationals on commercial deportation flights.
Petro’s Calls for Dignity
Before backing down, Petro called for the US to treat deported migrants with dignity, pointing out that over 15,000 Americans without proper immigration status reside in Colombia. “The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals,” he said.
The escalating deportations and confrontational diplomacy have drawn criticism from human rights advocates and South American leaders, who accuse the Trump administration of dehumanising migrants and destabilising international relations.
Fallout and Future Implications
Colombia’s concession marks a significant victory for Trump, who framed the episode as a demonstration of America’s restored global influence. However, the aggressive approach has raised concerns about long-term relations with South American countries.
As Trump’s administration intensifies its immigration crackdown, further clashes with neighbouring nations appear inevitable, setting the stage for continued controversy in US-Latin American diplomacy.
