President Donald Trump has announced a series of sweeping retaliatory measures against Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept two deportation flights carrying individuals described as “illegal criminals.”
In a social media post and subsequent White House statement, Trump condemned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, calling him a “socialist” whose actions have “jeopardized the national security and public safety of the United States.”
READ :Vice President JD Vance Gives Economics Lesson To CBS Host Trying Gotcha Question On Inflation
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of illegal criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia,” Trump wrote. “Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the national security and public safety of the United States, so I have directed my administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.”
List of Retaliatory Actions:
- Emergency Tariffs:
- A 25% tariff will be imposed on all goods imported from Colombia into the U.S.
- The tariff will increase to 50% within a week if Colombia does not comply with repatriation requirements.
- Travel Ban and Visa Revocations:
- Immediate travel bans and visa revocations will apply to Colombian government officials, as well as their allies and supporters.
- Visa Sanctions:
- Sanctions will be imposed on party members, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government.
- Enhanced Border Inspections:
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement heightened inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo entering the country on national security grounds.
- Financial Sanctions:
- The U.S. Treasury will fully implement banking and financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), restricting Colombian financial institutions from engaging with U.S. markets.
President Trump has made it clear that his administration will take firm action against any country refusing to cooperate with U.S. immigration enforcement efforts. “These measures are just the beginning,” Trump stated, adding that the U.S. will not tolerate the Colombian government’s failure to honor its legal obligations regarding the acceptance of deportees.
The new policies come amid Trump’s broader push to tighten immigration enforcement and fulfill campaign promises of mass deportations.
The retaliatory actions are expected to strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have historically cooperated on issues such as counter-narcotics and trade. Colombia is one of the largest exporters of coffee and flowers to the U.S., and the new tariffs could have significant economic repercussions.
READ: Florida Sen. Ashley Moody To Play Key Role In Advancing Trump Nominees Through Senate Committees
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has not yet responded to the U.S. sanctions but has previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies, calling them “inhumane” and “counterproductive.”
Trump’s administration is taking a hardline stance, signaling a massive shift in policy from the Biden admin.
It remains unclear if Colombia will reverse its stance on repatriation flights in response to the sanctions, but Trump has vowed to escalate measures if necessary.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.