Colombia agrees to accept immigrants deported from US after diplomatic tensions

(CLO) On the evening of January 26, the White House announced that Colombia had agreed to receive immigrants deported by the US by plane, after two US military planes carrying immigrants were intercepted that morning.

The United States and Colombia have reached an "unlimited" agreement for Colombia to accept deported immigrants from the United States, according to a White House announcement. The agreement allows the use of military aircraft to transport deportees and suspends trade sanctions if Colombia complies with its commitments.

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that repatriation flights have resumed, easing some of the pressure in bilateral relations.

However, strict customs checks and visa restrictions for Colombian officials will remain in place until the first flight is completed.

If Colombia fails to comply with the agreement, the White House said previously prepared economic sanctions and tariffs will go into effect immediately. Visa sanctions and enhanced checks on goods and travelers from Colombia will also remain in place until the first flight is completed.

US President Donald Trump affirmed that this event is proof that the US is restoring its position and is respected by other countries. According to him, his administration will continue to protect national sovereignty and ask countries to cooperate in receiving citizens deported from the US.

US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the weekend. Photo: GI

Earlier on the morning of January 26, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused deportation flights from the US, saying Colombian migrants cannot be treated as criminals.

In response, Mr. Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on imports from Colombia, rising to 50% in a week if no agreement is reached. He also threatened to ban entry for Colombian citizens and revoke visas of Colombian officials.

In a statement, the Colombian government said it had deployed the presidential plane to facilitate the "honorable return" of the deportees. The move was explained as ensuring decent living conditions for the returnees.

In response to Petro’s initial refusal, the US has imposed a series of sanctions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered a suspension of visa issuance at the US embassy in Bogota, a travel ban on Colombian government officials, and stricter checks by Customs and Border Protection.

Meanwhile, Mr. Petro announced that he would increase tariffs on imports from the United States to 25% and could raise them to 50% as a retaliatory measure. However, pressure from the United States forced him to give in, paving the way for the deportation flights to continue.

Hoai Phuong (according to Fox News, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/colombia-dong-y-tiep-nhan-nguoi-nhap-cu-bi-truc-xuat-tu-my-post332191.html