Trump Imposes Tariffs, Visa Restrictions on Colombia Over Deportation Flight Rejections

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of punitive measures against Colombia on Sunday after its government refused to accept deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants. The sanctions include increased tariffs, visa restrictions, and other retaliatory actions, which Trump claims are necessary to protect U.S. national security.

The diplomatic rift escalated after Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared that his country would no longer accept deportation flights from the U.S. unless a new protocol was established to ensure migrants are treated with dignity. In a social media post, Petro shared a video of deported individuals walking on a tarmac in Brazil with their hands and feet restrained, calling the treatment inhumane.

Background and Fallout

Colombia has historically cooperated with U.S. deportation efforts, accepting 475 flights from 2020 to 2024, ranking behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador in deportation acceptance, according to data from advocacy group Witness at the Border. In 2024 alone, Colombia received 124 such flights.

Trump’s administration has intensified deportation efforts, using active-duty military personnel to secure the border and carry out removals. Recently, two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo planes transporting deported individuals arrived in Guatemala, while two additional flights with 193 people landed in Honduras.

In response to Colombia’s stance, Trump outlined what he called “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.” These include a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, which he warned would rise to 50% within a week if the issue remains unresolved. Additionally, he ordered an immediate travel ban and visa revocations targeting Colombian government officials, their allies, and supporters.

“All party members, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government will face visa sanctions,” Trump stated, though he did not specify which political party or individuals would be affected. He further announced enhanced customs inspections for all Colombian travelers entering the U.S.

The U.S. government has yet to respond to Colombia’s demand for revised deportation procedures. Meanwhile, Petro reiterated that Colombia remains willing to receive its nationals but only on civilian aircraft and without criminal-like treatment.