Petro responds to U.S. visa suspension after blocking migrant flights

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.