More than 200 illegal migrants return to Colombia after US deportation

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - JAN. 28, 2025: More than 200 undocumented Colombian migrants arrived at El Dorado Airport in Bogota after being deported from the United States on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The development follows a diplomatic dispute between Colombia and the US that escalated to the brink of severe restrictions on both nations, including visa cancellations and potential sanctions. The conflict arose when two US aircraft carrying deported migrants were denied landing permission in Colombia. Despite prior authorization, Colombian President Gustavo Petro revoked the permits while the planes were in flight. He said he would receive the citizens "without treating them like criminals" and emphasized the need for a "dignified and respectful" repatriation. In response, US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against Colombia, including tariffs. The measures imposed included 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods entering the US, with an increase to 50% planned within a week. Additionally, Trump announced a travel ban and visa revocations for Colombian officials and their supporters, emergency financial sanctions, and enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections "of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds." Many people said on social media that their US visa appointments in Bogotá scheduled for Monday were canceled. Rescheduling information has not yet been released. While Colombia threatened to retaliate with 50% tariffs on US goods, the White House later announced that the country had accepted an agreement under which it would accept migrants "without limitation or delay." (Footage by Jorge Eliecer Bastidas Barreto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)