In an effort to resolve a recent migration dispute, Colombia has deployed two official planes to collect migrants who were initially scheduled to be transported on U.S. military flights. According to statements from both a Trump administration official and a Colombian representative, this measure follows a disagreement that nearly escalated into a trade war between the two nations.

The Origin of the Dispute

The disagreement began over the weekend when Colombia decided to block two U.S. military deportation flights. This public rejection strained relations between the governments and led to an open dispute. In response, the White House announced Sunday night that both sides had reached an agreement: Colombia would accept deportation flights on both civilian and military planes, while the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump would be temporarily suspended.

Deployment of Colombian Planes and Petro’s Response

On Monday morning, two Colombian planes departed for the United States to transport migrants who had recently crossed the southern border. This action represents an effort to find a diplomatic solution and ease trade tensions between the two nations.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Colombian President Gustavo Petro highlighted the importance of reaching agreements that benefit communities, while making it clear that Colombia would not accept imposed conditions:

“We can never accept imposed conditions,” Petro stated. He also advocated for a more humane approach, adding: “The solution to illegal migration is not to deport communities and criminalize them but to address the root causes behind this phenomenon.”

Commitments Regarding the Darién Gap

As part of the agreement, Colombia committed to increasing personnel in the Darién Gap, a hazardous jungle region connecting Colombia and Panama. This critical crossing has been used by migrants on their way to the United States, often facing extreme conditions and significant risks. The increased presence in this area aims to better manage migration flows and reduce the dangers associated with this route, according to a Trump administration official.

A Temporary Solution with Conditions

The agreement between the two governments represents a step toward cooperation, though the initial tensions set an important precedent. The suspension of the tariffs proposed by Trump now depends on how the agreement is implemented and the results achieved in the coming days. Despite the challenges, this joint effort could lay the groundwork for a more structured collaboration in managing migration between the two countries.