However, facing mounting economic pressure, Petro was forced to reassess his position. The Colombian president later announced that the government would allow deportation flights, but under conditions that respected the dignity of the migrants. “The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of compatriots,” the statement read. Petro’s office emphasised that the move was in line with Colombia’s commitment to humane treatment for its citizens.
Trump’s Retaliatory Measures and Petro’s Rebuttal
The diplomatic crisis began when Trump responded to Petro’s refusal by ramping up sanctions, including the 25% tariff on Colombian goods. The US also imposed further restrictions on Colombian officials, suspending visas and introducing heightened scrutiny of Colombian nationals and cargo. Trump’s rhetoric was sharp, declaring that the sanctions were just the beginning of a broader strategy, and accusing Colombia of violating its legal obligations regarding the deportation of migrants.In retaliation, Petro issued a lengthy tweet directly addressing Trump, where he criticised the US president’s policies, particularly his economic sanctions and disregard for Latin American sovereignty. Petro wrote, “I don’t like travelling to the US, it’s a bit boring. But I admit there are commendable things. I like visiting the Black neighbourhoods of Washington. There, I saw a full-blown clash in the capital of the US between Black and Latino communities, with barricades. It seemed nonsensical to me because they should unite.”
Petro went on to criticise Trump’s policies more harshly, expressing admiration for historical figures who stood against injustice while condemning Trump’s exploitation of natural resources. “I don’t like your oil, Trump. It’s going to destroy humanity because of greed,” he wrote. “Maybe one day, over a glass of whiskey—which I accept despite my gastritis—we can talk frankly about this. But it’s difficult because you consider me part of an inferior race, which I am not, and neither are any Colombians.”
Petro’s response also included a firm declaration of Colombia’s independence, stating, “Colombia is the heart of the world,” and rejecting any form of submission to the US. He spoke of Colombia’s historical fight for freedom, invoking figures like Simón BolÃvar, and reinforcing the nation’s cultural heritage.
Colombia’s Diplomatic Stance on Migration
The issue of deportation flights was particularly contentious, as Petro had initially resisted the idea of accepting deported Colombians unless they were treated with respect. He pointed out that there were over 15,000 undocumented Americans in Colombia but made it clear that the country would not engage in mass deportations or raids. “I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory,” he reaffirmed. Instead, Petro called for “regularising their situation” and ensuring that deported individuals were not treated as criminals.
Petro’s stance garnered mixed reactions at home, with former right-wing President Iván Duque accusing him of being “irresponsible” and warning that the sanctions would have a severe impact on Colombia’s economy. Despite this criticism, Petro held firm, maintaining that Colombia’s commitment to its people and its values was more important than bowing to external pressures.
The Escalating Diplomatic Crisis
The back-and-forth between Trump and Petro reached a climax when Petro blocked two repatriation flights carrying Colombian nationals back to Colombia. Trump retaliated swiftly by accusing Petro of endangering US national security, leading to the introduction of the tariffs and additional sanctions. The US administration also warned that these measures were only the beginning, with a potential increase in tariffs and further restrictions looming.
In a rare diplomatic gesture, the White House later announced that the sanctions had been suspended after Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants. Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed that the country would continue to receive deported Colombians, though the relationship between the two nations remained fraught with tension.
Petro’s Declaration on Colombia’s Global Position
As the standoff between the US and Colombia continued, Petro issued a final statement on the country’s foreign policy. He rejected the notion that Colombia’s future should be shaped by its relationship with the US, instead emphasising Colombia’s independence and global significance. “FROM TODAY, COLOMBIA OPENS ITSELF TO THE WORLD, WITH OPEN ARMS,” he declared, affirming that the country would no longer look to the US but engage with the global community.
In a powerful conclusion, Petro highlighted Colombia’s rich cultural and historical legacy, referring to the nation as “the land of yellow butterflies” and recalling the contributions of past heroes like BolÃvar. He also made a reference to the novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, calling Colombia the land of both beauty and revolutionary figures.
With Petro’s strong words and actions, Colombia is positioning itself as a nation ready to assert its sovereignty on the world stage, irrespective of the challenges posed by external powers like the United States.
