Colombia Rejects U.S. Deportation Flights Until Dignity Protocol Established

In a bold stance against the Trump administration, Colombia’s President has stated that deportation flights from the United States will not be accepted without appropriate measures ensuring the dignity of Colombian migrants.

In a series of posts on X, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his country will not accept any deportation flights from the United States until a respectful and dignified protocol is in place for returning Colombian migrants. Petro's remarks follow increasing scrutiny regarding the treatment of deportees under U.S. immigration policy, particularly since President Trump assumed office and ramped up deportation efforts.

Petro specifically expressed that Colombia had turned away military aircraft bringing deported Colombian nationals from the U.S., asserting that "A migrant is not a criminal." His comments highlight a significant shift, as Colombia appears to be the first Latin American nation to formally reject U.S. deportation flights rather than just raise concerns.

The Colombian President emphasized that while he cannot force migrants to remain in a country unwilling to accept them, their return to Colombia should be conducted with dignity and respect. "If that country sends them back, it should be with dignity and respect for them and for our country," he stated. This position is likely to create tensions with the Trump administration, which has been vocal about its plans to deport a large number of undocumented immigrants.

In terms of logistics, Petro mentioned his openness to allowing civilian planes carrying deportees to land, but reiterated a firm stance against military aircraft doing so. The Colombian government has not provided specific numbers regarding how many deportation flights have been turned away or the legal framework surrounding such decisions.

Petro's announcement was partly motivated by reports from Brazilian media concerning the inhumane treatment of deported migrants, illustrated by a video showing men disembarking from a U.S. plane with their hands bound. As countries worldwide grapple with mass deportations prompted by U.S. policies, Colombia’s firm stance may serve as a precedent for other nations considering their own responses to similar events.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has yet to respond to these developments, as tensions mount over deportation strategies amidst a changing global narrative on migration and human rights.