Politics Dispute over deportations: Colombia's president concedes
Following the announcement of retaliatory measures by US President Donald Trump, Colombia's head of state Gustavo Petro has relented in the dispute over deportation flights. Petro's office announced that the government would make the presidential plane available in order to "facilitate the humane return of Colombian nationals". Active talks are being held with the US government to reach agreements "that guarantee a minimum level of respect and humane treatment of the nationals during the deportation process", it added.
26.01.2025, 23:13
SDA
The government in Bogotá had previously banned the landing of two US military aircraft with Colombian migrants deported from the USA on board. President Petro justified his decision by saying that migrants are not criminals and should be treated with dignity. Colombia would accept its nationals "on civilian airplanes without treating them as criminals", Petro explained.
Trump reacted immediately and announced punitive tariffs of 25 percent on all goods from Colombia that would be imported into the United States. The additional tariffs were to be raised to 50 percent within a week. He also ordered an entry ban and an immediate withdrawal of visas for Colombian government officials, among other things, Trump explained. "These measures are just the beginning", he threatened.
