Trump Forces Colombia to Accept Deportees by Threatening Tariff War
Tensions Escalate as Trump Threatens Trade Sanctions Following Colombia's Refusal of Deportation Flights
The United States and Colombia narrowly avoided a full-scale trade conflict on Sunday after a heated public exchange between their leaders. The dispute erupted when Colombia refused to accept two US military aircraft carrying deported Colombian citizens, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten heavy tariffs and sanctions.
The diplomatic standoff was sparked by Colombia's decision to block the deportation flights, part of Trump’s intensified crackdown on immigration. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his objections to the US deportation methods, accusing Trump of mistreating the deported migrants. Petro posted a video on social media showing detainees with their hands and feet restrained, emphasizing that deportations should be conducted with dignity and respect for both the migrants and the sending nation.
In 2022, an estimated 190,000 unauthorized Colombian migrants were living in the US, according to Pew Research Center. Petro offered an alternative solution, proposing to send a presidential plane to return the migrants more respectfully. Trump, however, responded by accusing Petro of jeopardizing US security and threatening severe economic consequences.
Trump's Threats: Tariffs and Sanctions
As tensions escalated, Trump raised the stakes by threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, with a warning that the rate could rise to 50% the following week. The US president also announced visa sanctions, targeting Colombian government officials and their families. Additionally, Trump threatened stricter border inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo entering the US.
In retaliation, President Petro threatened to impose similar tariffs on US goods, refusing to back down. "Your blockade does not scare me, because Colombia, besides being the country of beauty, is the heart of the world," Petro wrote defiantly on social media. He also pointed out that there were 15,660 US nationals living in Colombia without proper documentation.
Resolution: Colombia Accepts Deportees
After a series of tense exchanges, the crisis was resolved late on Sunday. Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that Colombia had agreed to accept the deported citizens and that the country’s presidential plane would be made available to facilitate their return. Murillo also stated that diplomatic efforts would continue to prevent further tensions, with both him and Colombia’s ambassador to the US planning to travel to Washington for further discussions.
In response, the White House issued a statement affirming that Colombia had agreed to meet Trump’s demands, including accepting all deported Colombians without delay or limitation, even on US military aircraft.
Economic Impact: Tariff War Would Hurt Both Nations
Both countries stood to lose significantly had the tariff war escalated. In 2024, the US imported $16 billion worth of goods from Colombia, including cut flowers, coffee, and petroleum. The US is Colombia’s largest trading partner, and a significant portion of Colombian exports, including flowers and coffee, would have been severely impacted by tariffs.
Victor Munoz, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the US is crucial to Colombia’s economy, with a quarter of Colombia’s exports directed to the US. Munoz warned that tariffs could lead to job losses in key sectors like oil, gas, and agriculture, especially in Colombia’s flower and coffee industries.
In contrast, a trade war would have a relatively smaller impact on the US economy. However, certain products like flowers and coffee would become more expensive for American consumers, particularly around key events like Valentine’s Day.
Deportation Flights and US Immigration Policy
Deportation flights are not a new phenomenon, but the use of US military aircraft for deportations is a recent development. The US has been deporting unauthorized immigrants since the late 19th century, but the numbers surged significantly starting in the 1990s. Under President Joe Biden, deportations have continued at a high rate, with more than 271,000 immigrants expelled in the most recent fiscal year.
Trump, who has criticized Biden’s immigration policies, has vowed to carry out what he called the “largest deportation operation in history” if re-elected. His administration’s approach to immigration, including the threat of tariffs, underscores his hardline stance on border security.
In the end, both nations avoided a full-blown trade conflict, but the situation highlighted the growing use of tariffs as a diplomatic tool, signaling that trade tensions could continue to influence international relations in the years to come.