Resumption of Deportation of Colombian Migrants from the United States

SadaNews - Colombia has announced the resumption of deportation flights for migrants from the United States using Colombian aircraft, following an eight-month suspension and just days before a scheduled meeting between Presidents Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday evening that military aircraft would ensure "humane treatment" for irregular migrants being deported from the United States.

Foreign Minister Rosa Vilafuerte stated at a press conference on Friday: "We will operate around 20 flights, at a rate of one flight per week, to return these individuals." She added that these individuals are Colombian citizens who are already under a deportation order from the United States.

The leaders of the two countries are scheduled to meet next Tuesday at the White House, a year after sharp statements were exchanged since Trump's return to power in January 2025.

Leftist President Gustavo Petro had prevented U.S. aircraft carrying deportees from landing, condemning their mistreatment and arrival in shackles, which led to a diplomatic crisis between the traditionally allied nations.

Subsequently, Bogotá sent aircraft to evacuate its citizens facing deportation and allowed U.S. planes to land on the condition that the rights of the migrants were respected. However, the Colombian government suspended these permits in May, stating that Washington had not respected the agreements made.

The deportation crisis marked one of many disputes between Bogotá and Washington.

Petro even went so far as to compare his American counterpart to Adolf Hitler and called on U.S. security forces to disobey his orders during a visit to New York.

For his part, Trump described the Colombian leader as a "drug lord" and imposed financial sanctions on him, accusing him of failing to combat drug trafficking.

The Republican president also hinted at carrying out military operations on Colombian territory.

The two leaders then held a phone conversation in early January, using a friendly tone, and agreed to meet on February 3.

Petro and Trump are expected to discuss strategies to combat drug trafficking in Colombia, the world's largest producer of cocaine.