President Donald Trump announced on Sunday retaliatory tariffs of 25% on Colombia after the country's President, Gustavo Petro blocked two US military flights carrying migrants heading toward the country.
Trump said the measures were necessary, because the decision of Colombian President Gustavo Petro “jeopardized” national security in the U.S.
“These measures are just the beginning,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “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.”
Earlier Sunday, Petro said that his government won’t accept flights carrying migrants deported from the U.S. until the Trump administration creates a protocol that treats them with “dignity.” Petro made the announcement in two X posts, one of which included a news video of migrants reportedly deported to Brazil walking on a tarmac with restraints on their hands and feet.
“A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves,” President Gustavo Petro said. “That is why I returned the U.S. military planes that were carrying Colombian migrants.”
Between 2020 and 2024, Colombia accepted 475 deportation flights from the United States - placed fifth behind Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, according to an advocacy group that tracks flight data. It accepted 124 deportation flights in 2024 alone.
Last year, Colombia and other countries began accepting U.S.-funded deportation flights from Panama.
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla, added that his country would receive Colombians in “civilian airplanes” and “without treatment like criminals.”
As part of a slate of actions to make good on U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration, his government is using active-duty military to help secure the border and carry out deportations.
Two Air Force C-17 cargo planes carrying migrants removed from the U.S. landed in Guatemala, early Friday. That same day, Honduras received two deportation flights carrying a total of 193 people.
In announcing what he called “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures,” Trump explained that he ordered “25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States,” which would be raised to 50% in one week.
Trump said he also ordered “A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations” on Colombian government officials, allies and supporters.
“All Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government,” Trump wrote will be subject to “Visa Sanctions.” He didn’t say to which party he was referring to or provide any additional details on the visa and travel restrictions.
Trump added that all Colombians will face enhanced customs inspections.
The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to revoke temporary legal status for over 500,000 migrants, putting them at risk of deportation while legal challenges continue.
The Kremlin has dismissed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire" by avoiding ceasefire talks with Ukraine, saying Russia's national interests remain the top priority.
The Trump administration has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies worldwide, as it prepares to tighten scrutiny of international applicants' social media profiles — a move that could impact universities and foreign students alike.
U.S. President Donald Trump will host South African President on Wednesday for crunch talks over alleged "genocide" on white farmers and other racial issues highlighted by the Trump. Ramaphosa is hoping to use the opportunity to revive US-South Africa relations, currently at its lowest since 1994.
U.S. President Donald Trump to speak with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy on Monday to discuss efforts toward peace in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.
Landslides and flash floods caused by days of heavy monsoon rain have killed at least 22 people in India’s northeast, officials said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Türkiye expressed deep sorrow Saturday over the devastating floods in Nigeria’s Niger State, which have claimed over 150 lives.
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