On January 26, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused the entry of two U.S. military aircraft carrying approximately 160 deported Colombian immigrants. Colombia is one of the closest allies of the United States in South America. Over the years, with the support of the United States, Colombia transformed itself from a politically unstable and fragile country into a vibrant democracy with a growing economy. The U.S. played a crucial role in ending internal armed conflict and decreasing the drug activity in Colombia in the 1990s. This agreement between the two nations was formalized through Plan Colombia. Additionally, since 2017, the U.S. has provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to support the plan for peace and strengthen its role as Colombia’s largest international partner.
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Throughout Trump’s political career, Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, including mass deportations, border security, and policies aimed at decreasing illegal immigration. During his first term (2017-2021), his administration adopted measures like the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also referred to as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which mandated that asylum individuals stay in Mexico while their applications were being handled. Trump also significantly increased interior immigration enforcement and attempted to dissolve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This is not the first time Trump has used economic pressure as leverage in immigration disputes. In June 2019, he threatened Mexico with increasing tariffs by 5% and raising them to 25% unless the Mexican government took immediate action to stop illegal immigration into the U.S. Additionally, Trump’s administration placed visa restrictions to enforce compliance with U.S. immigration policies.
Fast forward to now, one of Trump’s first acts as he enters his second presidential term was to deport foreign citizens illegally present in the U.S. The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, blocked the aircraft carrying Colombian immigrants from landing because he accused the U.S. of treating the immigrants as criminals. Petro later directed a post at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning, “I will never allow Colombians to be brought in handcuffs on flights.” In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose 25% tariffs and sanctions on Colombia after Petro decision. The tariffs on all goods coming into the US from Colombia would be implemented immediately. In one week the 25% tariffs would be raised to 50%. The U.S. tariffs on Colombian imports, including coffee, flowers, oil, and textiles would pose a major threat to industries as it would drive up costs for U.S. consumers and cause job losses in Colombia.
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Trump justified his actions by claiming that by Petro blocking the aircraft to land, the decision posed a significant threat to U.S. national security and public safety. Trump adds, “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of criminals they forced into the United States.” Trump also prohibited travel to the U.S. and canceled the visa process for Colombian government officials, their allies, and supporters. In retaliation, Petro said he would also impose 25% tariffs on the U.S. Both the U.S. and Colombia are effectively suspending key trade benefits under the US–Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by justifying their actions on national security grounds. Normally, the FTA ensures lower tariffs and trade protections between the two countries, but Article 22.2 of the agreement allows for exceptions if national security is at risk. This could potentially open the door for other countries to similarly suspend trade benefits and weaken international trade agreements. Rising prices on both sides would contribute to inflation, reducing consumer spending and economic stability if the trade dispute were prolonged.
Trump is sending a warning to America’s allies: if they do not cooperate with the U.S., the consequences will be severe. Increasing tariffs is an example of punishing a country for not being sufficiently supportive of The United States’s new hardline immigration policies. Due to this issue, other countries in South America responded after Colombia’s response to the undignified treatment of its people. Mexico chose a more diplomatic stance, stressing discussion to prevent economic implications, while Brazil denounced the U.S. practice of deporting immigrants in handcuffs. Meanwhile, China and the EU kept a careful eye on the issue. Trump’s aggressive strategies may potentially force Colombia and other countries to look for closer economic relations elsewhere, especially with China. While this shift is not certain, it highlights a possible consequence of using tariffs and sanctions as leverage in immigration disputes.
Following these threats, Petro agreed to accept the deported immigrants if they arrived in civilian planes and received dignified treatment. “The well-being of our fellow citizens and the guarantee of their rights is a priority of the Colombian government,” addressed Colombia’s Foreign Ministry. Petro offered the use of his presidential plans as an alternative means to transport the immigrants. Following this, the U.S. and Colombia reached a deal on deportations with tariffs and sanctions to be put on hold. Some supported Petro’s response to the situation as a defense of national dignity, while others worried about potential economic fallout. Ultimately, the backlash and economic pressure pushed for Petro’s decision to negotiate a resolution. This demonstrates the difficulties in maintaining a balance between preserving close ties with the U.S. and national sovereignty.