First deportees land in Colombia from US

Two Colombian Aerospace Force planes carrying migrants deported from the United States landed late Tuesday in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, as confirmed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The deported nationals were picked up from Houston, Texas, and San Diego, California, following instructions from Petro.

“They are Colombians, they are free and dignified, and they are in their homeland where they are loved. The migrant is not a criminal; they are human beings who want to work and progress,” Petro posted on the social platform X, along with photos of the deported Colombians walking out of the planes.

Earlier on Sunday, Petro had denied entry to US military aircraft carrying the deportees, claiming they were being treated like criminals. This move prompted a strong response from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to cancel the visas of all Colombian government officials and impose 50% tariffs on Colombian imports.

After discussions, both sides reached an agreement, allowing Colombian planes to transport the deportees without handcuffs and under safe and dignified conditions, as requested by Colombia’s government.

“The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement.

In response, Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs, which could increase to 50% in a week on all Colombian imports to the US. Petro responded by stating that Colombia would retaliate with increased tariffs on US goods.

Among the deportees were 26 minors, according to the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. Colombian immigration officials and medical personnel accompanied the deportees, who will benefit from a special credit program to help reintegrate them into Colombian society.

In the coming days, the Colombian Aerospace Force is expected to bring more undocumented migrants back as the new US administration cracks down on irregular migration.