Official statements or agreements released by the U.S. or Colombian governments

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs, Closes Visa Section as Colombia Blocks Deportation Flights

Jan 26, 2025, 06:35 PM

On January 26, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that Colombia will deny entry to U.S. military aircraft carrying approximately 160 deported Colombian migrants, stating that the United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals and must treat them with dignity. The two U.S. military planes were turned away, and Petro offered to receive the migrants if they were transported on civilian flights. In response, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia announced the closure of its visa section, canceling about 1,500 appointments. President Donald Trump imposed emergency 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods imported into the United States, to be increased to 50% in one week, stating that these measures are "just the beginning." Trump also announced a travel ban and immediate visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their supporters, as well as banking and financial sanctions on Colombia. Enhanced border inspections on all Colombian citizens will be introduced. Petro dispatched the presidential plane to transport the deported migrants, emphasizing the need for dignified treatment.