President Donald Trump announced sweeping retaliatory measures against Colombia, including tariffs on imports, visa sanctions on government officials, enhanced customs inspections, and financial penalties, after the nation denied entry to two U.S. military deportation flights carrying about 80 Colombian migrants each. Trump justified these measures by accusing Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro of jeopardizing U.S. national security and public safety by denying the flights. The retaliatory measures also include a travel ban and visa revocations on Colombian government officials and allies, as well as visa sanctions on party members, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government. The total estimated value of goods and services trade between the U.S. and Colombia in 2022 was $53.5 billion, with oils and minerals, lime and cement, and agricultural goods being the top U.S. imports from Colombia. Colombia’s decision to deny entry to the deportation flights is part of a broader trend of opposition to the United States’ immigration policies in the region. The Brazilian government also condemned what it considered to be degrading treatment of its nationals on ICE repatriation flights. This incident reflects ongoing tensions between the United States and several Latin American countries over immigration and deportation policies, with various governments expressing opposition to the treatment of migrants as criminals and advocating for more dignified and humane treatment.
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After Colombia blocks military deportation flights, Trump announces retaliatory actions.
