WASHINGTON — United States President Donald J. Trump has announced a series of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Colombia after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two repatriation flights carrying individuals labeled as “illegal criminals” to land in the country. The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Citing national security concerns, U.S. officials declared an immediate 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the country, with plans to increase the tariffs to 50% within a week. Additional measures include travel bans, visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their allies, and sanctions targeting members of Petro’s party, their families, and supporters.
Enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections for Colombian nationals and cargo were also ordered, alongside financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These measures, according to the administration, are aimed at pressuring Colombia to comply with its legal obligations to accept the return of its nationals.
“This order jeopardizes U.S. national security and public safety,” Trump said on Truth Social. “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its responsibilities regarding the acceptance and return of the criminals they forced into the United States.”
President Petro, a socialist leader facing mounting domestic disapproval, has yet to publicly address the U.S. sanctions or the rationale behind his decision to deny the repatriation flights. Analysts expect the sanctions to impact Colombia’s economy and its relationship with the United States, a key trade partner.