Plane carrying Colombians deported from US lands in Bogota

(CLO) Two Colombian Air Force planes carrying deportees from the United States landed in the capital Bogota on Tuesday, according to an announcement from the Colombian government .

The move paves the way for the Trump administration to lift visa restrictions and sanctions against Colombian citizens.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump. Illustration photo: AI

Tensions between the two countries have been rising in recent days as Colombian President Gustavo Petro has objected to the use of US military aircraft to deport Colombian citizens, saying they are being treated as criminals. The Colombian government has even refused to allow these flights to land.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump responded by threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods, with plans to increase it to 50% in a week if Colombia does not cooperate. He also announced emergency financial and banking sanctions and visa restrictions on Colombian citizens and officials.

Facing the threat of escalating tensions into a trade war that could have severe economic damage, diplomats from both countries reached an agreement late Sunday. The Trump administration hailed the deal as a victory, saying the United States had shown superior strength, while Colombia said the deal benefited both sides.

According to the Colombian Foreign Ministry, one plane departed from San Diego, California, repatriating 110 Colombian citizens, while the other from El Paso, Texas, carried 91 people.

One of the deportees, Andredy Alexander Barrientos, 26, said at the Bogota airport that he had been in the U.S. for just 12 days before he was arrested and sent back home. He said he came to the U.S. in hopes of finding better economic stability.

Earlier, dozens of Colombian citizens had their visa interview appointments at the US Embassy in Bogota canceled on Monday, causing great disappointment.

The confrontation between the US and Colombia took place in the context of the Trump administration tightening immigration policies, especially for those who illegally cross the US-Mexico border. During his first term (2017-2021), Mr. Trump implemented many tough policies such as the "Remain in Mexico" program and building a border wall.

With his re-election in 2024, Mr. Trump continues to take a tough stance on immigration, considering it an important part of his policy of protecting the border and ensuring jobs for Americans. Colombia, with tens of thousands of migrants to the US each year, is one of the countries heavily affected by this policy.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, BBC, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/may-bay-cho-nguoi-colombia-bi-truc-xuat-tu-my-ha-canh-tai-bogota-post332368.html