Official announcements from the U.S. State Department or Colombian government

U.S. Suspends Visas in Colombia After Petro Blocks Deportation of 160 Nationals

Jan 26, 2025, 10:58 PM

The U.S. State Department has suspended visa issuance at its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, effective immediately, in response to Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept deportation flights of approximately 160 Colombian nationals from the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the suspension after Petro blocked two U.S. military planes carrying deported Colombians he had previously authorized. The State Department stated that the U.S. "will not back down when it comes to defending its national security interests." Additional retaliatory measures, including travel sanctions on Colombian government officials and their immediate families, have also been authorized until Colombia complies with its repatriation obligations.