- Colombia will pay for the deportation of its citizens from the U.S.
- President Petro opposed U.S. deportation methods, sparking tensions with Trump.
- Around 27,000 Colombians are expected to be deported soon.
Colombia has announced plans to cover the costs of deporting its citizens from the United States, aiming to ensure their return in “dignified” conditions, the country’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
The decision follows tensions between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump over the treatment of deported migrants.
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Last week, the two leaders clashed over U.S. deportation policies, with Petro refusing to allow American military planes to transport Colombian migrants home.
He criticized the U.S. for treating deportees like criminals by using shackles and handcuffs.
In response, Washington’s embassy in Bogotá suspended visa processing for most of the week, and Trump threatened major trade tariffs on Colombian goods.
However, the White House later stated that Colombia had reversed its stance and agreed to accept deportees.
Colombia’s foreign ministry said it proposed to Trump’s special envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, that the country would “immediately assume the transfer” of all Colombian deportees and cover transportation costs.
Petro emphasized that his government would not allow deported migrants to return in handcuffs.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Colombian military and civilian aircraft repatriated the first groups of migrants to Bogotá. According to Petro, hundreds of Colombians, including children, were returned under humane conditions, with none classified as criminals.
Colombia is preparing for the return of approximately 27,000 migrants who have been issued deportation orders in the past six months under Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden.
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Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants, including those from Latin America.
The U.S. remains Colombia’s biggest trade partner and has provided extensive financial aid for counter-drug and security initiatives.
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