Initial Deportees Arrive in Colombia from the U.S.
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Synopsis
Two aircraft from the Colombian Aerospace Force landed in Bogota late Tuesday carrying deported migrants from the United States. The operation was confirmed by President Gustavo Petro, who emphasized the dignity of the returnees. This event marks a significant development amid ongoing discussions between Colombia and the U.S. regarding immigration policies.
Key Takeaways
- Two Colombian Aerospace Force planes transported deported migrants from the U.S. to Bogota.
- President Gustavo Petro advocates for the humane treatment of migrants.
- The U.S. and Colombia reached an agreement on deportation methods.
- Colombia plans to reintegrate deportees with a special credit program.
- More undocumented migrants are expected to return in the near future.
Bogota, Jan 29 (NationPress) Two aircraft from the Colombian Aerospace Force, carrying migrants deported from the United States, arrived late Tuesday in the capital city of Bogota, as confirmed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The Colombian nationals were collected from Houston, Texas, and San Diego, California, based on directives from Petro.
"They are Colombians, they are free and dignified, and they have returned to their homeland where they are cherished. The migrant is not a criminal; they are a human being striving to work and make progress," Petro shared on the social media platform X, accompanied by images of the Colombian nationals disembarking from the planes.
On Sunday, Petro rejected the entry of U.S. military airplanes carrying the deportees, stating that they were being treated as criminals. This decision drew a stern reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to revoke visas for all Colombian government officials and impose 50 percent tariffs on imports from Colombia.
Subsequently, both parties agreed that Colombian planes would transport the deportees without the use of handcuffs, ensuring their transit was conducted in a safe and dignified manner, as per Colombia's request.
"The Government of Colombia has consented to all of President Trump's stipulations, including the unconditional acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military flights, without limitation or delay," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Sunday.
Earlier that day, Trump announced on his social media platform that the United States would impose 25 percent tariffs, escalating to 50 percent within a week, on all goods imported from Colombia.
In reply, President Gustavo Petro indicated on social media that Colombia would counter the raised tariffs with its own increase on U.S. goods.
Among the deported individuals were 26 minors, as reported by the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Colombian immigration officials and medical staff accompanied the deportees, who will have access to a specialized credit program aimed at aiding their reintegration into Colombian society.
In the upcoming days, the Colombian Aerospace Force is anticipated to repatriate more undocumented migrants as the new U.S. administration intensifies its crackdown on irregular migration.
