Trump Forces Colombia’s Hand On Deportation Flights With Tariff Threat

President Donald Trump is holding firm on his commitment to enforcing immigration laws, forcing Colombia to back down and accept deportation flights after initially refusing entry to U.S. military aircraft carrying illegal immigrants. The White House confirmed Sunday night that tariffs on Colombian imports will be put on hold after the South American nation agreed to comply with all of Trump’s demands.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Colombia agreed to the “unrestricted acceptance” of deported Colombian nationals, including those flown on U.S. military planes. This development follows Trump’s earlier warning of a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, which Petro’s government initially responded to with threats of countermeasures.

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo announced that the standoff was resolved and the presidential plane would be used to transport deported individuals back to the country. Despite this, the U.S. will maintain visa sanctions and enhanced inspections at ports of entry until the first deportation flight lands successfully.

Trump previously took to Truth Social to express his discontent with Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s refusal to accept the deportees, accusing him of jeopardizing U.S. national security. He emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate any nation refusing to take back their citizens who entered the country illegally.

The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not hesitate to reintroduce tariffs and sanctions if Colombia fails to uphold its commitments. The agreement also sends a message to other nations considering defiance of U.S. immigration policies.

In the coming days, Colombian officials are expected to travel to Washington, D.C., to finalize the terms of the agreement and discuss further cooperation on immigration enforcement.

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