Residents of Colombia’s capital voiced their disagreement with President Gustavo Petro’s decision to reject two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants, expressing concerns about potential retaliation from the United States.
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday (January 26) that he would impose sweeping sanctions on Colombia after the South American nation turned away the deportation flights as part of the U.S. administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown. Trump’s measures include tariffs on Colombian goods, as well as other diplomatic penalties aimed at pressuring the Colombian government to reconsider its stance.
Colombians, including local residents like Juan Carlos Robayo, expressed their frustration with the decision. “If they are deported from another country, they must be received here because this is their country,” Robayo said. “How can one accept that? If you come to your own country, how can you not be accepted? It’s not logical.”
The potential economic fallout from Trump’s proposed sanctions has sparked concerns across Colombia. “It affects us, it will affect all people exporting their products,” said Jenny Ortiz. “This will put a halt on Colombian commerce with the United States. This will completely affect us.”
Alexander Camargo, another local resident, stressed that President Petro needs to reconsider his approach. “Mr. Petro needs to think with a cold head, not ideologically, but about what’s best for our country. He needs to think more,” he said.
In response to the rejection of the deportation flights, Colombia, a key trading partner of the U.S. in Latin America, has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on American goods.
Trump’s actions reflect a more assertive foreign policy, aiming to make an example of Colombia as the second Latin American country to deny U.S. military deportation flights. The retaliatory measures include a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the U.S., which will rise to 50% within a week; a travel ban and visa revocations for Colombian government officials; as well as financial sanctions on Colombia's treasury and banking systems.
As tensions rise between the two nations, the economic and diplomatic repercussions could have lasting effects on trade relations between Colombia and the United States, a relationship worth billions of dollars annually.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss the progress made by U.S. President Donald Trump in ceasefire talks with Russia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.
China and Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas, including trade, security, and Belt and Road projects. At a high-level meeting in Beijing, officials emphasised stronger political ties, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges to advance their strategic partnership.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams completed an unexpectedly long 286-day mission on the ISS, returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule after delays caused by technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss the progress made by U.S. President Donald Trump in ceasefire talks with Russia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
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