Colombia backs down on accepting deportee flights after Trump's tariff threat

Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants on U.S. military aircraft on Sunday after President Donald Trump's threat of steep tariffs and visa restrictions, ending a brief but intense diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

The White House announced that Colombia had accepted "all of President Trump's terms," including unrestricted acceptance of Colombian deportees on U.S. military planes. 

Colombian Foreign Minister Gilberto Murillo confirmed the agreement and announced plans for high-level meetings in Washington.

The dispute erupted when Colombian President Petro ordered two U.S. Air Force C-17 planes carrying 160 deportees to return to the U.S., saying that migrants deserve “dignified treatment.”

“The U.S. cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory. The United States must establish a protocol for the dignified treatment of migrants before we receive them,” said Petro in a Twitter/X post (translated).

This unexpected decision marked a departure from previous cooperation, as Colombia had accepted approximately 120 deportation flights during the former president Joe Biden’s administration.

Trump responded by threatening immediate 25% tariffs on Colombian imports, with plans to increase to 50% within a week.

The tariff threat would have significantly impacted Colombia's primary exports, including oil, precious stones, cut flowers, and coffee.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that while tariff orders would be held in reserve, visa restrictions on Colombian officials and “enhanced customs inspections” would continue until the first successful deportation flight.

The agreement comes amid Trump’s increased U.S. deportation plan, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement reporting 956 arrests on Sunday. 

The operation reflects Trump's push for increased deportations, with field offices reportedly targeting 1,200 to 1,500 daily arrests.