The relationship between Colombia and the United States has reached a point of high tension following the recent measures adopted by President Donald Trump in response to the refusal of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to allow the entry of flights with Colombians deported from the United States. Trump, who described Petro as a “socialist president,” announced on January 26 a series of severe sanctions that include the revocation of visas, commercial tariffs, and financial restrictions.
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Trump's retaliatory measures against Gustavo Petro
Through a message on his social network, Truth Social, Trump announced that repatriation flights carrying irregular migrants were unable to land in Colombia due to Petro's decision. This rejection, according to the U.S. president, jeopardizes national security and public safety in the United States, prompting a series of immediate retaliatory measures.
Among the main sanctions are:
- 25% emergency tariffs on all Colombian products, with a scheduled increase to 50% in one week.
- Travel ban and visa revocation for Colombian government officials, their allies, and sympathizers.
- Sanctions on family members and members of Petro's political party, including sympathizers.
- Reinforced customs inspections for Colombian citizens and shipments coming from Colombia.
- Economic and financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which affect banking transactions and access to Treasury funds.
Trump also made it clear that these measures represent "only the beginning" of a stricter policy towards Colombia, hinting at the possibility of further sanctions in the future.
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Petro's 'little move' that is getting out of hand
The conflict began when President Petro decided to reject US military flights transporting deported Colombians, arguing that the migrants were not being treated with dignity. Petro requested that the United States implement a protocol ensuring respectful treatment of deportees, asking for the flights to be carried out on civilian planes.
This rejection of flights caused the United States Embassy in Bogotá to suspend visa processing for Colombian citizens, affecting thousands of people who had plans to travel to the United States. With the new sanctions, restrictions are extended to Colombian government officials, their families, and supporters of President Petro.