Following a diplomatic dispute with the United States regarding the deportation of Colombian nationals, President Gustavo Petro is calling on Colombians residing illegally in the U.S. to return to their home country. Petro has pledged to offer financial assistance in the form of loans to those who choose to come back.
Petro took to social media platform X, urging undocumented Colombians to leave their jobs in the U.S. and return to Colombia immediately, emphasizing that "wealth is produced only by working people." He added that the Department of Social Prosperity will aim to provide productive loans to returnees who participate in its programs, with the goal of building social wealth within Colombia.
This appeal follows an initial refusal by Petro to accept deportation flights from the U.S. carrying Colombian nationals. He argued that Colombian migrants should not be treated as criminals. The Trump administration reacted swiftly by suspending visa issuance and imposing travel sanctions on Colombian government officials. Furthermore, President Trump threatened to implement a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the U.S. position, stating that measures would remain in place until Colombia fulfilled its obligation to accept the return of its citizens.
Petro initially responded with reciprocal 25% tariffs on U.S. goods and demanded that returning migrants be treated with dignity and respect, rejecting the use of shackles or military aircraft. However, according to the White House, Petro ultimately conceded to President Trump's demands, agreeing to accept all undocumented Colombian immigrants deported from the U.S., including those transported on military aircraft.
Two Colombian air force planes carrying deportees arrived in Bogotá on Tuesday. Subsequently, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the resumption of visa processing in Bogotá, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to collaborating with Colombia on shared interests.
