Department of Homeland Security and Defense Department officials say Colombia has refused admission to two U.S. military deportation flights.
The defense official told NBC News that the flights, which were operated aboard U.S. military C-17 aircraft, had left California and were transporting roughly 80 Colombian migrants apiece.
As the U.S. accuses Colombia of failing to accept deported nationals, President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social Sunday by announcing sweeping retaliatory measures that include enhanced customs inspections, financial penalties, visa sanctions on government officials and allies, and tariffs on Colombian imports.
The person stated that after Colombian President Gustavo Petro abruptly rescinded all diplomatic clearances for the aircraft, the flights that had been cleared for landing were grounded.
This comes after tensions were raised and deportation efforts were thwarted last week when Mexico temporarily prevented two American planes carrying 80 passengers each from landing. Mexican officials have voiced their opposition to the United States’ unilateral immigration policy moves, even though the matter was eventually settled.
Petro denounced the use of military aircraft for deportations in a statement posted on X.
He wrote that a migrant should be treated with the respect that every human being is entitled to because they are not criminals. Without treating them like criminals, we will transport our citizens in private aircraft. Colombia has to be respected.
Citing the use of handcuffs, a malfunctioning air conditioner, and other infractions of a bilateral agreement that guarantees humane treatment, the Brazilian government denounced what it saw as the dehumanizing treatment of its citizens on an ICE repatriation aircraft on Friday.
According to the Guatemalan Migration Institute, the U.S. sent three flights carrying over 265 deported citizens to Guatemala on Friday, including two military planes.
The flights are a component of the Trump administration’s anti-illegal immigration campaign, which was started in his first week in office with executive orders. The government has sent 1,500 more troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to bolster enforcement in addition to deportation activities.