Colombia Concedes to Tariff Threats as Trump Pushes for Migrant Deportations
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Synopsis
As the US ramps up deportations of illegal migrants, Colombia’s resistance crumbles under tariff threats from Trump, highlighting his approach to enforcing immigration policies. This situation underscores the complexities of international cooperation regarding illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
- Tariff threats prove effective in negotiating deportations.
- Trump’s administration focuses on deporting criminal illegal migrants.
- International relations impact migrant repatriation efforts.
- Sanctuary cities face challenges in immigration enforcement.
- US considers El Salvador as a destination for illegal migrants.
New York, Jan 27 (NationPress) As the US escalates its efforts to apprehend and deport illegal migrants using military aircraft, it successfully navigated Colombia’s resistance through tariff threats, showcasing how President Donald Trump intends to fulfill his campaign pledges.
After Colombia denied permission for two planes carrying its nationals, who were detained in the US as illegal migrants, Trump proclaimed a 25 percent tariff on imports from Colombia on Truth Social, warning that this would increase to 50 percent within a week.
By Sunday evening, however, Colombia capitulated, leading the White House to announce a commitment to “unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia”, including those arriving via military flights.
On the same day, federal agents swept across the nation, apprehending illegal migrants with criminal backgrounds.
Trump had vowed to initiate mass deportations from his first day in office, but the overwhelming challenge of rounding up millions has prompted his administration to focus on prioritizing individuals with criminal offenses, revitalizing previously lax enforcement protocols.
Meanwhile, Brazil voiced objections to the treatment of deportees arriving from the US, labeling it “degrading”.
Last week, Mexico temporarily barred US military aircraft carrying deportees but swiftly reversed its decision.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Each nation holds the responsibility to repatriate its citizens illegally residing in the United States swiftly and seriously.”
Following discussions between Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday, the US noted that they addressed “irregular migration”, with India signaling its willingness to accept illegal migrants back.
Reports suggest approximately 20,000 Indians are expected to return.
This aligns with Trump’s objective to eliminate illegal migrants while also addressing India’s concerns regarding criminal gangs and extremists operating from the US.
Currently, there are an estimated 11 million illegal migrants in the US, with around 725,000 identified as Indians, according to the Pew Research Centre.
The ongoing effort to round up illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal histories, has been persistent, even during President Joe Biden’s term but has gained renewed focus following Trump’s declaration of a national emergency regarding illegal migration last Monday.
On Sunday, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove announced that multiple federal agencies would assist the Department of Homeland Security in apprehending illegal migrants to “secure the border and halt this invasion.”
Bove and Border Czar Tom Homan were present in Chicago, a city where these intensified operations commenced.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the primary authority for deportations, declared “enhanced targeted operations” in Chicago to detain “potentially dangerous criminal aliens.”
Chicago is known as a sanctuary city, claiming to protect illegal migrants by prohibiting cooperation between its police and immigration authorities.
Operations were also conducted in other locations, including Colorado, where approximately 50 individuals were arrested during a nightclub raid, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
The DEA reported that many of those arrested were affiliated with the Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang classified as a terrorist organization by Trump.
Raids were also executed in cities such as Los Angeles, Savannah in Georgia, Omaha in Nebraska, and across Arizona.
On Friday, operations were carried out in Newark, New Jersey.
Homan has threatened legal repercussions against those obstructing immigration enforcement.
Despite Chicago’s stance as a sanctuary city, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated in a CNN interview that the state would assist in deporting criminal illegal migrants or those with deportation orders while refusing to participate in raids.
The White House shared stylized images of some of the apprehended individuals on X, detailing their alleged crimes, which included connections to the Islamic State, membership in the international gang MS-13, rape, sexual abuse of minors, murder, and even driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
CBS reported that the US is contemplating a deal with El Salvador to send illegal migrants from other nations there, directing them to seek asylum, thereby designating the Central American nation as a “safe third country.”
This approach mirrors Britain’s controversial plan to relocate migrants to Rwanda, which faced legal challenges from the British Supreme Court.
Australia has also implemented measures to send asylum seekers to camps in Papua New Guinea and expanded its program through new legislation last year.
