Colombia has dispatched a military aircraft to repatriate 110 deported nationals from the United States following a tense standoff between President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump over deportation policies.
Key Developments:
- Colombia Sends Military Plane – The Colombian Air Force deployed an aircraft from Bogotá to San Diego, equipped with medical personnel, to transport deported Colombians home.
- Trump Threatens Tariffs – Petro initially refused to accept deportees flown on U.S. military planes, demanding civilian transport and dignified treatment. Trump responded with threats of trade sanctions and visa suspensions.
- Petro Backs Down – Facing economic pressure, Petro agreed to resume deportation flights under improved conditions.
Regional Impact and Reactions:
- The White House praised the agreement, asserting that Colombia will now accept “all illegal aliens.”
- Critics, including former Colombian President Iván Duque, condemned Petro’s initial resistance as “irresponsible.”
- Meanwhile, Honduras has called for an emergency CELAC summit to address rising deportations across Latin America.
Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown continues to escalate tensions, with several countries weighing their responses to his policies.
