On January 24, 2025, reports emerged that U.S. military C-17 aircraft had begun deporting detained migrants under direct orders from President Trump. According to Reuters, two military aircraft, each carrying approximately 80 migrants, were flown from the U.S. to Guatemala.
BBC
Less than two weeks into his second term, President Donald J. Trump’s administration has already sparked controversy in the public eye. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, in a ceremony attended by celebrities and billionaires, reinforcing his core "Make America Great Again" message. While his extremely republican stance is hard to accept for several people, his policies which heavily focus on immigration laws were what the American people chose for their 47th President.
Although some level of backlash was anticipated, the rapid escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Colombia came sooner than expected. On January 24, 2025, reports emerged that U.S. military C-17 aircraft had begun deporting detained migrants under direct orders from President Trump. According to Reuters, two military aircraft, each carrying approximately 80 migrants, were flown from the U.S. to Guatemala.
Guatemala and the United States are committed to putting an end to illegal migration and strengthening border security. Starting with two flights today.
Although this marks one of the first instances in U.S. history where military aircraft have been used for deportation, it comes as little surprise to many who anticipated strict immigration measures from the Trump administration. On his very first day in office, President Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency, signalling his commitment to aggressive enforcement. In addition to ramping up deportations, his administration implemented a sweeping ban on asylum and took steps to alter birthright citizenship laws.
The policy quickly triggered a major diplomatic dispute between the U.S. and Colombia, as the Colombian government refused to accept deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants. In response, President Trump announced a 25% tariff and economic sanctions on Colombia, warning that the rate would double to 50% within a week if the country did not comply. Colombian President Gustavo Petro retaliated, vowing to impose a 25% tariff on U.S. goods, raising fears of a potentially damaging trade war between the two long-standing partners—particularly in the realm of anti-narcotics efforts.
However, just days later, on January 27, 2025, Colombia reversed its stance, averting a full-blown trade conflict. The two nations reached an agreement, with Colombia agreeing to accept deported migrants under all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted return of individuals who had entered the U.S. illegally.
We will continue to receive Colombians and Colombian women who return as deportees, guaranteeing them decent conditions as citizens subject to rights.
