Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Sunday that Colombia would deny entry to U.S. deportation flights until guarantees for the humane treatment of migrants were provided.
This move highlights growing tensions between Washington and left-leaning governments in Latin America over U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
In a public address, Petro stated, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory for U.S. planes carrying Colombian migrants.” He reiterated this stance on the social media platform X.
Petro also revealed in a follow-up post that he had blocked U.S. military planes from entering Colombia. However, he did not provide details on the number or timing of the flights. He added that civilian deportation flights would only be allowed if the individuals onboard were treated with dignity.
The president also disclosed that more than 15,600 undocumented Americans were residing in Colombia and urged them to regularize their status. He firmly rejected the idea of conducting raids to detain and deport these individuals.
US Response and Trump’s Immigration Policy
There was no immediate response from U.S. officials to Petro’s statements. However, Tom Homan, President Trump’s border policy advisor, expressed confidence in the administration’s approach. Speaking with ABC News, Homan said, “Oh, they’ll take them back.”
Homan suggested that diplomatic pressure would eventually compel opposing governments to accept deported migrants. He added that migrants could be sent to “third safe countries” if their home nations continued to resist, though he did not specify which countries might be involved.
During Trump’s earlier presidency, Mexico agreed to accept non-Mexican migrants deported from the U.S. under the threat of trade tariffs. However, the Biden administration later resumed the practice of deporting migrants directly to their countries of origin.
Latin America’s Reaction to Deportation Practices
Colombia’s firm stance coincided with mounting criticism in Brazil over the treatment of deported migrants. Brazilian officials denounced the Trump administration for what they described as a “flagrant disregard” for human rights after 88 Brazilian nationals were deported last Friday.
One deportee, Edgar Da Silva Moura, recounted the harsh conditions during the flight. “They didn’t give us water, we were tied hand and foot, and even bathroom access was denied,” Moura said. He added, “It was unbearably hot, and some people fainted.”
Television footage showing passengers disembarking with shackled hands and ankles further fueled public outrage.
Trump’s Use of Military Aircraft for Deportations
The Trump administration’s approach to deportations included the use of military aircraft, a significant departure from previous practices. At least one such flight landed in Guatemala recently, and reports suggest similar flights were directed to Mexico, though some were turned away.
Latin American Responses to Migrant Repatriation
Several Latin American nations have responded by providing support to returning migrants. Mexico announced plans to establish nine shelters for returning citizens and three facilities for foreign deportees under its “Mexico Embraces You” initiative.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged humanitarian aid for deportees, including those from other countries. Honduras also launched its “Brother, Come Home” program to offer financial assistance, food, and job opportunities for returnees.
