The former president of Colombia, Iván Duque, criticized the decision of his successor, Gustavo Petro, not to allow the entry of two planes with citizens deported from the U.S. without initiating a process of diplomatic dialogue. Duque expressed his concern about the consequences of these actions on the bilateral relations between the two countries that have lasted for more than 200 years.
In response to Petro's determination, the U.S. president, Donald Trump, ordered a 25% tariff on all Colombian products, increasing this figure to 50% in a week. Additionally, visa restrictions were announced for Petro's government and his party, possible economic sanctions on the country, and "inspections" of Colombian citizens and goods arriving in the U.S.
Gustavo Petro, for his part, decided to make the presidential plane available for the "dignified return" of migrants who were unable to enter the country from deportation flights from the U.S. Petro called for a Celac meeting to address the migration crisis in the region and ensure dignified treatment for the deported nationals.
Amid the controversy, criticism and concerns have arisen regarding deportations as part of Trump's immigration policy in several Latin American countries. Brazil denounced the use of handcuffs by U.S. authorities against Brazilian citizens during deportation flights, while the White House indicated the start of these mass deportations.
The Celac meeting, scheduled for January 30, will be an opportunity to address strategic issues for the region, such as cooperation on migration, the protection of human rights, and strengthening relations among member countries. Colombia will hold the pro tempore presidency of Celac this year, organizing the IV Celac-EU Summit where leaders from both regions will meet.
Amid the diplomatic crisis sparked by the conflict between Petro and Trump, Iván Duque considered Petro's decision to be a "tremendous irresponsibility" that challenges a sovereign decision of the U.S. Duque urged Petro's government to prioritize the country over its populist interests and anti-American rhetoric to avoid greater economic and social consequences.
