U.S.-Colombia showdown over deportation flights: What happened?

The White House announced a victory in its immigration crackdown after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights following President Trump’s threats of steep tariffs and visa restrictions.

Here is a breakdown of what happened:

Tariff Threats and Diplomatic Clash

The White House claimed victory after Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights from the U.S., following a tense standoff that saw President Donald Trump impose visa restrictions and threaten steep tariffs on Colombian imports. The dispute began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants, citing concerns over their treatment.

Trump’s Retaliation and Petro’s Response

In response to Petro’s actions, Trump ordered a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, with a threat to increase it to 50% within a week. Colombia retaliated with its own 25% tariff on U.S. goods. Trump justified the measures, stating that Petro’s refusal to accept deportees endangered U.S. national security.

Colombia Backs Down, U.S. Holds Some Restrictions

After diplomatic pressure, Colombia agreed to unrestricted acceptance of deported migrants, including via U.S. military aircraft. In turn, Trump held off on implementing tariffs but maintained visa restrictions on Colombian officials and increased customs inspections on Colombian goods until deportation flights resumed.

Diplomatic Fallout and Future Relations

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed the agreement, stating, "We have overcome the impasse," while Petro reposted the White House statement. Despite the resolution, tensions remain, as Colombia had previously accepted hundreds of deportation flights but had sought to change protocols under Petro’s administration.

Wider Implications for U.S. Immigration Policy

The dispute underscores Trump’s immigration policies, using military resources to enforce deportations. The administration warned other countries that blocking repatriation flights would result in severe economic consequences, a stance reinforced by recent deportation flights to Guatemala and Honduras.