Colombian President Capitulates to Trump’s Pressure, Offers Presidential Plane for Deportations

By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi – updated at 14:00 EAT Monday 27 Jan 2025.

(HICGI) – Under intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Colombian leader swiftly reversed his stance and agreed to a controversial proposal. The move includes offering Colombia’s presidential plane to facilitate the deportation of migrants back to their home countries, a decision seen as a major concession. This sudden shift highlights the influence of U.S. policy demands on Latin American leaders and raises questions about the sovereignty of nations in the face of geopolitical power dynamics.

President Donald Trump issued stark warnings to Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the weekend. Courtesy Photo.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro swiftly reversed his stance on rejecting deportation flights from the United States after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs and other punitive measures.

The White House confirmed on Sunday that President Petro had agreed to “all of President Trump’s terms, including the unconditional acceptance of all Colombian nationals deported from the United States, transported via U.S. military aircraft without restriction or delay.”

“Under this agreement, the drafted IEEPA tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve and remain unsigned, provided Colombia fully complies with the terms of this accord,” the statement read. “However, the visa sanctions imposed by the State Department and enhanced inspections by Customs and Border Protection will remain in effect until the first plane carrying Colombian deportees successfully returns.”

“Today’s developments send a clear message to the world: America is respected once again,” the statement concluded. “President Trump remains committed to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and expects full cooperation from other countries in accepting the repatriation of their citizens unlawfully present in the United States.”

Earlier on Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro appeared to back down swiftly after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened severe consequences for Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights. In a striking concession, Petro offered to use his presidential plane to repatriate Colombian migrants deported from the United States.

In an interview with a local media house, Trump said Petro’s reversal was a direct result of his tariff threat, describing it as a “total about-face.”

The Colombian government, in a statement translated from Spanish, confirmed the move, saying the plane would ensure a “dignified return” for deportees.

“The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of the compatriots who were going to arrive in the country this morning on deportation flights,” the statement read. “This measure reflects the Government’s commitment to guarantee decent conditions.”

This weekend, American officials sent two flights of Colombian nationals as part of Trump’s deportation program. Initially, Petro rejected the flights, arguing that the U.S. was treating Colombian migrants unfairly.

“I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory,” Petro said in an earlier statement. “The United States must establish a protocol for the dignified treatment of migrants before we receive them.”

Trump responded with a sweeping set of threats, including a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, escalating to 50% after one week if compliance was not met. He also announced a travel ban and visa cancellations for Colombian government officials, as well as for their “allies and supporters.”

“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump warned. “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of the criminals they sent into the United States!”

President Gustavo Petro speaks at the International Workers’ Day march in Bogota, Colombia, May 1, 2024. Courtesy Photo.

“I have just been informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, carrying a significant number of illegal criminals, were denied entry into Colombia,” former President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This decision was made by Colombia’s Socialist President, Gustavo Petro, who is already deeply unpopular among his own people.”

“President Petro’s refusal to accept these flights has directly threatened the national security and public safety of the United States,” Trump continued. “As a result, I have directed my administration to take immediate and decisive retaliatory action.”

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