Colombia Relents To US Pressure On Deportation Flights After Tariff Threats

After facing economic retaliation from the Trump administration, Colombia has agreed to resume accepting deportation flights of its citizens from the United States. The reversal comes after President Donald Trump’s strong stance against the country’s initial refusal.

The dispute began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants, arguing the need for better protocols. In response, Trump announced tariffs on all Colombian imports and hinted at additional financial and diplomatic penalties if the country failed to cooperate.

Following the White House’s swift actions, Colombia’s government announced that it would allow the deportation flights to proceed. Colombian officials confirmed they would now facilitate the return of their nationals using the country’s presidential aircraft.

The White House press secretary stated that while the tariffs were suspended, other measures such as visa restrictions and cargo inspections would remain until the first repatriation flights were successfully conducted.

Trump’s administration hailed the resolution as a victory for U.S. immigration enforcement, signaling to other countries that non-compliance with deportation efforts would have serious consequences.

Colombian representatives are scheduled to travel to Washington for further discussions on implementing the agreement and avoiding future conflicts.