Trump vows retaliation after Colombia rejects U.S. military-assisted deportation flights
CBSJan 24
US-Colombia Reach Deal After Deportation Flight Standoff
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Above: Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Jan. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Greg Nash/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Colombian Pres. Gustavo Petro on Sunday agreed to accept military aircraft carrying deported migrants after US Pres. Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on the South American nation for earlier refusing to accept military flights carrying deportees.
Colombia had blocked two US Air Force C-17 transport planes carrying deportees from landing in the country on Sunday, stating that migrants shouldn't be treated as criminals and demanding dignified treatment protocols.
In response, Trump said he would "immediately" impose 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian imports (to be raised to 50% within a week), along with travel bans and visa restrictions for Colombian officials and their supporters.
The Spin
Narrative A
The US government must take decisive action against countries that refuse to accept their deported citizens, as this undermines America's national security and immigration enforcement efforts. Strong measures, including tariffs and sanctions, are necessary to ensure compliance with international obligations and protect US borders.
Narrative B
Migrants deserve humane treatment and dignity during deportation processes, and military aircraft transport criminalizes individuals who have committed no violent offenses. Countries have the right to establish protocols ensuring their citizens' dignified return without facing excessive economic retaliation.
Narrative C
The US-Colombia standoff not only almost brought the countries to the brink of a trade war, but it also served as a warning to US allies and adversaries alike: either back down and cooperate with Trump or face the consequences for defying his orders. Autocracy, is it?
