An aircraft from the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) landed at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, carrying citizens deported from the United States from El Paso (Texas). According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a second plane from San Diego is also scheduled to land in Colombia shortly.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared a photo taken inside one of the planes where the deportees appeared without handcuffs, as he had requested, asking for "dignified treatment" for them. This event follows Petro's previous decision to reject two flights from the U.S. government carrying deportees, citing unacceptable conditions, which triggered a diplomatic crisis with the United States.
One of the deportees, Alexander, revealed that he had applied for asylum in El Paso 12 days ago and was deported without receiving a clear explanation. Although he mentioned that his detention in the U.S. was acceptable, he stated that he was handcuffed and physically restrained. During the return flight, Alexander indicated that he received excellent treatment.
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these flights are aimed at bringing back 110 deported nationals from the United States, ensuring a dignified return and respecting their rights. This action was part of an agreement to end the crisis triggered by Petro's initial refusal to accept the deportation flights, which led to the imposition of tariffs by the United States.
Despite the initial tension between Colombia and the United States, the White House announced that the diplomatic crisis was considered closed by accepting Colombia's "all terms of President Trump" regarding the repatriation of immigrants. Gustavo Petro highlighted the importance of treating migrants as dignified individuals and emphasized that the migrant is not a criminal, but a person seeking to work and progress. The arrival of the deportees took place under the supervision of various government entities and humanitarian organizations.
