Donald J. Trump’s government is implementing unprecedented sanctions against the nation of Colombia after the South American country refused to accept repatriation flights carrying deported criminal migrants.
Trump announced tariffs on all Colombian imports and the closure of the US embassy’s visa section in Colombia. This announcement followed Colombia’s decision to deny the landing of US military aircraft.
In a blistering statement on Truth Social, Trump described Colombia’s refusal as an action jeopardizing US national security. He attributed the decision to Colombia’s socialist President Gustavo Petro, stating that such actions forced the administration to respond.
Effective measures include imposing an immediate 25 percent tariff on all goods from Colombia, which will increase to 50 percent within a week. Additional steps comprise a travel ban and visa revocations for Colombian government officials, enhanced inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo, and financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The news is likely to shock other American partners and allies who have long taken for granted their client-status with the United States.
From President Trump on Truth:
I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people. Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States, so I have directed my Administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures:
-Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.
-A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.
-Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.
-Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.
-IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.
These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!
Image by Gage Skidmore.
