In light of the escalating tensions between the United States and Colombia, US Senator Marco Rubio has directed the American embassy in Colombia to halt the issuance of visas.
This directive followed Colombia’s decision to block deportation flights arriving from the United States. On Sunday, the State Department released a statement addressing the situation.
“The State Department remains committed to enforcing and prioritizing an America First agenda. In response to President Petro’s refusal to accept two repatriation flights that he had previously authorized, Secretary Rubio promptly ordered the suspension of visa issuance at the US Embassy in Bogota,” the statement indicated.
Additionally, Rubio has implemented travel sanctions against individuals and their families deemed responsible for obstructing US repatriation flight operations. The State Department emphasized that these sanctions will remain in effect until Colombia fulfills its obligations.
Rubio criticized Colombia for its refusal to allow its own citizens to return. “America will not waver in its commitment to safeguarding its national security interests,” the statement from the State Department asserted. Washington expressed astonishment at Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s denial of entry to US military deportation flights.
The ensuing tariff conflict between the US and Colombia
Petro’s reversal on this issue drew condemnation and frustration from US President Donald Trump. Following Petro’s refusal, Trump announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff and sanctions on Colombian imports.
The President stated that these tariffs would apply “to all goods” entering the US from Colombia. He indicated that his order would take effect “immediately,” with the 25 percent tariffs set to escalate to 50 percent within a week. In response to Trump’s announcement, Petro declared that he would implement retaliatory tariffs of 25 percent on US goods.
The Colombian leader underscored that a primary factor for his refusal to accept the refugees was their arrival on a military aircraft. He stated that the nation would “welcome our fellow citizens on civilian flights, ensuring they are not treated as criminals,” and insisted that migrants should be returned with dignity and respect.
It is important to highlight that two American military planes from San Diego were scheduled to arrive in Colombia on Sunday carrying deported migrants. However, those flights were canceled due to unforeseen complications.
In reaction to this situation, Trump announced that visa sanctions would be imposed on supporters of the Colombian government, along with intensified Customs and Border Protection inspections “of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds.” The duration of the ongoing dispute between the two countries remains uncertain.
