Colombia's President Offers Plane for Deportation Flights Amid Trump Threats

COColombia|

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has offered the use of his presidential plane to facilitate the repatriation of migrants from the United States after facing strong pressure from former President Donald Trump. The decision comes on the heels of Trump’s threats to impose significant tariffs on Colombian goods and other retaliatory measures due to Petro's refusal to accept deportation flights from the U.S.

In a statement translated from Spanish, the Colombian government asserted that the presidential plane would be used to ensure a "dignified return" for Colombian nationals set to arrive from these deportation flights. This concession reflects a significant shift in Petro's stance, who had previously rejected U.S. deportation flights, arguing that Colombia should not treat its citizens as criminals.

Trump responded to Petro's rejection by announcing a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and threatening further penalties if the Colombian government continued to refuse the flights. Colombia subsequently retaliated, hinting at escalating tariffs on U.S. goods.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained, with both leaders exchanging threats as they navigate the contentious issue of immigration and deportations in the context of U.S. policy reforms.

Despite the tensions, Petro's decision to activate the presidential plane denotes a willingness to engage in negotiations with the U.S. regarding the treatment of returning migrants. As discussions continue, the implications for both U.S.-Colombia relations and the affected migrants are poised to unfold.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Colombia

Outrage and Mourning in Colombia Following Murder of Trans Woman Sara Millerey

The recent murder of 32-year-old trans woman Sara Millerey in Bello, Antioquia, has sent shockwaves through Colombia's LGBTQ+ community. Millerey, who began her gender transition at 15, was brutally assaulted and thrown into a creek, where she drowned on April 5, 2025. Her mother, Sandra Borja, expressed her devastation, stating that "they killed for her being who she was" and emphasized her wish to remember Sara for her beauty rather than her tragic fate. The crime has prompted widespread outrage, with President Gustavo Petro calling for urgent action from authorities, as at least 13 trans individuals have been murdered in the country in the first quarter of this year. Community leaders report that Millerey's murder is the third this year targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in Bello alone. Local activist Sebas Zitrus highlighted the case's "tremendous cruelty," revealing a pervasive sense of fear among the community. Despite public mourning and calls for justice, local authorities have struggled to make arrests, with residents fearing retaliation for speaking out, raising concerns about ongoing violence against the trans community in Colombia.
COColombia

UK Scientist Found Dismembered in Colombia Stream During Holiday

A UK-based scientist was found brutally murdered and dismembered while on holiday in Santa Marta, Colombia. Officials reported that the victim’s head, hands, and feet were recovered from a suitcase that had been dumped into a stream, with searches ongoing for the remaining body parts. The incident has prompted local authorities to take action, with Santa Marta’s mayor, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, announcing a reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (approximately £10,000) for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible. He emphasized the city's commitment to addressing crime, stating, “This crime will not go unpunished. Criminals must know that in Santa Marta, criminality has no place.” The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was a trained biologist, and details surrounding the circumstances of the murder remain unclear as investigations continue. Local police are actively working to gather evidence and bring the perpetrators to justice, in line with the mayor's directive to enhance collaboration among authorities.
COColombia

UK Scientist Discovered Dismembered in Suitcase in Colombia

A UK-based scientist was found dismembered and dumped in a suitcase in Santa Marta, Colombia, while on holiday, authorities reported on April 8, 2025. The victim's severed head, hands, and feet have been recovered, but police are still searching for the remaining body parts. Officials identified the scientist as a trained biologist, and the circumstances of his brutal murder have prompted an urgent investigation. Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello announced a reward of 50 million Colombian pesos (approximately £10,000) for information leading to a resolution of the case. "This crime will not go unpunished," Pinedo Cuello stated, emphasizing the commitment to eliminating criminality in Santa Marta. According to police reports, the suitcase was discovered in a stream, raising concerns about public safety and the circumstances surrounding the killing. As investigations continue, local authorities have called for community cooperation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.
COColombia
All Colombia News ->