U.S. Imposes Reprisals on Colombia Following Ban on Military Aircraft Transporting Migrants
In a decisive response to Colombia’s recent directive preventing U.S. military aircraft from transporting migrants deported from the United States, President Donald Trump announced a series of urgent reprisals. In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump addressed the implications of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s actions, which have drawn criticism amid his declining popularity within the country.
Trump articulated that Petro’s refusal to permit these flights jeopardizes national security and public safety in the United States. Consequently, he has directed his administration to implement immediate and significant reprisals, including the following measures:
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Emergency Customs Tariffs: An emergency customs tariff of 25% will be imposed on all commodities entering the United States from Colombia. This will be escalated to tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% within one week.
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Travel Restrictions: The U.S. will impose a prohibition on travel for Colombian government officials and revoke existing visas immediately.
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Visas Penalties: There will be penalties on visas issued to members and supporters of the Colombian government, as well as their families.
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Increased Customs and Border Inspections: Enhanced customs inspections and border protections will be instituted for all Colombian citizens and goods, citing national security concerns.
- Financial Penalties: The administration will impose financial penalties through the Treasury and banking sectors under international humanitarian economy laws.
Trump concluded his remarks by indicating that these measures are merely the beginning of a broader strategy. He emphasized that the U.S. government will not permit Colombia to violate its legal responsibilities regarding the acceptance and return of individuals who have unlawfully entered the United States.
On the same day, President Petro defended his stance via the X platform, stating his government will only accept civilian flights for transporting Colombian migrants. He reiterated his view that immigrants should not be classified as criminals and must be treated humanely. He clarified that his administration would only allow civilian aircraft to handle the repatriation of Colombian nationals, ensuring a respectful treatment of migrants as opposed to a punitive approach.
This development marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the United States and Colombia, amid concerns regarding immigration governance and national security.
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