Trump wins tug-of-war with Petro: Colombia accepts migrants expelled from the US

Clash and agreement: after a tight confrontation between Bogotá and Washington, Colombian President Gustavo Petro yields to American pressure and accepts the flights with the deportees

The Colombian president’s ‘no’ did not last long. But let us come to the facts. The crisis erupted when Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, prevented two US military flights loaded with deported migrants from the US from landing. The gesture was motivated by a desire to treat the repatriated compatriots ‘with dignity and respect’, but immediately triggered Donald Trump’s reaction. The US president announced harsh and immediate measures on Truth Social, including 25% tariffs on all Colombian products, visa sanctions and strengthened border controls.

In response, Petro published a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he condemned Trump’s policies, calling them an ‘unjust blockade’, and celebrated Colombian pride: ‘Colombia, the heart of the world, will not be intimidated’. Meanwhile, however, diplomatic tension rose, with immediate economic and political effects.

The Colombian U-turn: ‘We accept flights without restrictions’

Surprisingly, a few hours after the exchange of accusations, Bogotá reversed course. The White House announced that Colombia accepted the arrival of the deported migrants on US military flights ‘without restrictions or delays’. This step backwards has allowed Washington to lift the newly imposed duties, although other measures, such as enhanced inspections and visa sanctions, remain pending and will only be lifted once the first repatriation flight is successful.

According to the Colombian Foreign Ministry, the stalemate has been ‘overcome through dialogue’, while reaffirming its commitment to guarantee dignified conditions for deported compatriots.

Victory for Trump: ‘Colombia accepted all demands’

From the American perspective, the result was celebrated as a diplomatic victory. The White House emphasised how Trump’s firm and uncompromising approach led the other side to comply with all of Washington’s demands.

Trump warned that the duties, already ready to be applied, will remain a constant threat if Bogotá does not comply with the terms of the agreement. Furthermore, border control measures will continue until the first flight with the deportees has completed its journey.

A controversial agreement between pragmatism and tensions

The crisis highlighted the difficulties in the bilateral relationship between the US and Colombia, highlighting the weight of economic and political decisions in the migration context. Petro, after trying to oppose it, gave in to avoid greater damage to his country’s economy, while Trump consolidated his image as an inflexible leader on the issue of immigration.

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