Trump declares win in tariff and migration dispute with Colombia
Shortly after warning of potential punitive tariffs, the White House announced that Colombia had consented to accept deported migrants, which led to the removal of the threat of additional levies.
TroibNews 
The White House announced late Sunday that Colombia's government has agreed to accept deportation flights of migrants from its territory, shortly after President Donald Trump issued threats of tariffs and visa restrictions.
Migrants will be sent back to Colombia on military aircraft “without limitation and delay,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This late-night announcement from the White House marked a tumultuous day characterized by social media exchanges between the leaders of both nations. The confrontation occurred just days into Trump’s second term and highlighted a significant challenge he will encounter while attempting to implement his ambitious immigration agenda, particularly in boosting deportation numbers.
According to the White House, the emergency tariffs and sanctions that Trump threatened earlier in the day were fully prepared but would be held — though not signed — unless Colombia adheres to the agreement. The State Department's visa sanctions and increased inspections by Customs and Border Protection will remain in effect until the first deportation flight of Colombian migrants occurs.
“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again. President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation's sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States,” Leavitt commented.
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared Leavitt’s statement on X.
The disagreement began when Petro rejected two U.S. military aircraft carrying detained Colombian migrants, advocating for a “dignified return” for deportees that does not involve being “handcuffed and on military craft.” In retaliation, Trump swiftly responded on X, declaring a 25 percent emergency tariff on all goods imported from Colombia, along with visa restrictions, a travel ban, enhanced border patrol inspections, and financial sanctions.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Migrants will be sent back to Colombia on military aircraft “without limitation and delay,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This late-night announcement from the White House marked a tumultuous day characterized by social media exchanges between the leaders of both nations. The confrontation occurred just days into Trump’s second term and highlighted a significant challenge he will encounter while attempting to implement his ambitious immigration agenda, particularly in boosting deportation numbers.
According to the White House, the emergency tariffs and sanctions that Trump threatened earlier in the day were fully prepared but would be held — though not signed — unless Colombia adheres to the agreement. The State Department's visa sanctions and increased inspections by Customs and Border Protection will remain in effect until the first deportation flight of Colombian migrants occurs.
“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again. President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation's sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States,” Leavitt commented.
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared Leavitt’s statement on X.
The disagreement began when Petro rejected two U.S. military aircraft carrying detained Colombian migrants, advocating for a “dignified return” for deportees that does not involve being “handcuffed and on military craft.” In retaliation, Trump swiftly responded on X, declaring a 25 percent emergency tariff on all goods imported from Colombia, along with visa restrictions, a travel ban, enhanced border patrol inspections, and financial sanctions.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
