Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded defiantly to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian exports to the United States. In a detailed message shared on social media, Petro announced a reciprocal measure: a 25% tariff on U.S. exports to Colombia. He also instructed his trade minister to redirect Colombia’s exports to other global markets, emphasizing a shift away from dependency on the U.S.

Petro criticized Trump’s actions, stating that if the U.S. imposes a 50% tariff on Colombian products, Colombia will retaliate in kind. He encouraged Colombians to focus on domestic agriculture, particularly corn, and position themselves as global suppliers. The president’s tone was confrontational, rejecting efforts to ease tensions.

Petro dismissed the U.S. decision to suspend visas for him and his family, claiming he rarely travels to the U.S. and finds it unappealing. Despite his combative rhetoric, Petro hinted at a willingness to dialogue, inviting Trump to discuss their differences. However, he criticized Trump’s oil policies as harmful to humanity and referenced historical racial struggles in the U.S., urging unity among marginalized groups.

Petro accused the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government, drawing parallels to past interventions in Latin America, such as the coup against Salvador Allende in Chile. He declared his intent to resist any economic or political aggression, asserting Colombia’s identity as a land of freedom and refusing to align with colonialist attitudes.

Source: El Colombiano.

This afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory measures against Colombia in response to President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept flights carrying deported migrants from the U.S. Trump criticized Petro's decision, claiming it endangered U.S. national and public security. As a result, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, which will increase to 50% in a week. He also suspended visas for Colombian government officials and imposed travel bans on allies, supporters, and family members of Petro's administration. Additionally, Trump ordered enhanced customs inspections and tighter border security for Colombian nationals and cargo. Further financial, banking, and fiscal sanctions were announced, utilizing the powers granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump emphasized that these measures were just the beginning and vowed not to allow Colombia to violate its legal obligations regarding the deportation of criminals to the U.S.

Source: El Colombiano.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded to the U.S. Embassy’s decision to suspend visa services for Colombians. This comes after his government blocked military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants.

“There are 15,660 U.S. citizens living irregularly in Colombia. They need to approach our immigration services to regularize their status,” Petro said in a statement.

He also urged for continued dialogue on migration issues:

“I hope the discussion about the Darién Gap isn’t frozen. Without proper regularization, illegal activities will increase. We’ve seen this before, like when the U.S. blocked Venezuela, triggering a massive migration crisis. Colombia and Latin America deserve dignity. Migrants are human beings with rights and must be treated as such.”

U.S. visa services halted 

On Sunday, sources from the U.S. State Department, led by Marco Rubio, confirmed that visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will be suspended starting Monday, January 27. It remains unclear how long the suspension will last.

Petro blocks U.S. military flights 

In the early hours of Sunday, Petro announced his decision to block two U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants. One of the planes reportedly landed in Costa Rica, while the other returned to the United States.

“The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants like criminals. They must establish a protocol for dignified treatment before we accept these flights,” Petro wrote in a post on social media.

Initially, Petro stated that one plane was expected to land at 6:45 a.m. and the other at 10:00 a.m., urging Colombians to “welcome them with flags and flowers.” However, he later edited the post and clarified that the flights were military aircraft, which he ultimately chose to deny entry.

“Migrants deserve dignity”

“A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity every human being deserves. That’s why I sent back the U.S. military planes carrying Colombian migrants,” Petro explained.

He added:

“I cannot allow migrants to be left in a country that doesn’t want them. But if they are returned, it must be done with dignity and respect—for them and for our country. In civilian planes, and without treating them like criminals, we will receive our fellow citizens. Colombia must be respected.”

Source: Noticias Caracol.

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Colombia have reached a new level of tension after President Gustavo Petro decided to reject flights carrying Colombian deportees from the U.S. In reaction, the U.S. government has indefinitely shut down the visa section at its Bogotá embassy and warned of further retaliatory measures.

Deportations: a routine practice 

According to sources cited by Blu Radio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) organizes two weekly repatriation flights, typically using commercial planes funded by the agency. These flights are aimed at expediting the return of Colombian migrants detained in the U.S. due to their irregular immigration status.

However, President Petro’s decision to stop accepting these flights—a practice previously approved by his administration—has triggered a swift and decisive response from the U.S. State Department.

Visa services suspended 

Starting this Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will close its visa section indefinitely. This decision impacts thousands of Colombians who rely on these services to travel to the United States. The move is part of a broader series of measures the U.S. is evaluating in response to Petro’s stance.

Growing diplomatic tensions 

The visa suspension is reportedly just the first step in a series of potential retaliatory actions being considered by the State Department. While specific details about further measures remain unclear, these actions are expected to increase pressure on the Colombian government to reverse its decision.

The diplomatic standoff over deportation policies highlights mounting tensions in migration and bilateral cooperation. This conflict affects not only diplomatic relations but also Colombian citizens seeking migration or exchange opportunities with the U.S.

For now, the Colombian government has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, relations between the two nations face one of their most challenging moments in recent years.

Source: Blu Radio.