President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a series of sanctions against Colombian government officials after the South American nation refused to allow two U.S. deportation flights to land in Bogotá.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump accused Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, of issuing the order to block the flights. He described Petro as a “socialist” and claimed the decision posed a threat to U.S. national security.
“Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the national security and public safety of the United States,” Trump wrote. “I have directed my administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.”
The sanctions include:
• A 25 percent tariff on all goods imported from Colombia, increasing to 50 percent after one week.
• A travel ban and immediate visa revocations for Colombian government officials, their allies, and supporters.
• Visa restrictions for members of Petro’s political party, along with their family members and supporters.
• Enhanced customs and border inspections for Colombian nationals and cargo, citing national security concerns.
• Financial and banking sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Trump also warned that these measures are “just the beginning,” adding, “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.”
The move comes after Colombia rejected two U.S. flights carrying deported Colombian migrants on Sunday. Officials in Bogotá have not commented publicly on the decision, though relations between the Trump administration and Petro’s government have been strained in recent months.
Trump also indicated his administration would terminate refugee programs facilitating migration to the United States, though no further details were provided.
