President Donald Trump announced on Sunday a series of economic measures against Colombia, including an emergency 25% tariff on imports, in response to the Colombian government’s decision to block U.S. military deportation flights. This marks the first time Trump has used economic pressure as a tool to align other nations with his mass deportation agenda since taking office last week.

The Origin of the Diplomatic Dispute

Earlier on Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that his government had blocked two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants. In his announcement, Petro emphasized the need for better protocols regarding the treatment of migrants and expressed a willingness to accept deportees as long as they arrived on civilian flights. He also reaffirmed his commitment to human rights and the dignity of repatriated individuals.

Trump’s Response on Social Media

In reaction to Petro’s announcement, Trump issued a strong critique via social media, revealing a series of sanctions targeting Colombia. These measures include a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, travel restrictions for Colombian citizens, and visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their allies.

Trump emphasized his resolve to prevent what he described as a breach of Colombia’s legal obligations regarding the acceptance of deported individuals:

“These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of criminals who forced their way into the United States!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Additional Measures Against Colombia

In addition to tariffs and travel restrictions, Trump ordered stricter inspections of cargo shipments arriving from Colombia and imposed financial and banking sanctions on members of Petro’s administration and their supporters. These actions are intended to pressure Colombia into reconsidering its stance on the blocked deportation flights.

Gustavo Petro’s Response

In response to Trump’s actions, President Petro called on U.S. citizens living illegally in Colombia to regularize their immigration status. On X (formerly Twitter), Petro reaffirmed his commitment to principles of freedom and dignity:

“U.S. citizens who wish to stay in Colombia are welcome, as I believe in human freedom,” he stated. “You will never see me burning an American flag or carrying out raids to deport people in handcuffs back to the U.S.”

As a gesture of cooperation, Petro also offered the use of his presidential plane to repatriate migrants deported from the United States who were scheduled to arrive on Sunday morning.

Colombia’s Economic Importance to the U.S.

Although Colombia is not a top trading partner for the United States, the trade relationship between the two countries remains significant. In 2023, Colombia exported approximately $14 billion worth of goods to the U.S., primarily minerals, oil, metals, and coffee, according to Comtrade data. While this trade volume reflects an important economic link, it is not critical to the U.S. economy