The Colombian government transported hundreds of returning migrants through military flights back to Colombia as President Gustavo Petro faced a tense diplomatic crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump. The dispute nearly developed into a trade conflict because both presidents managed migrant deportations with contrasting strategies.
Due to Colombian official opposition to U.S. military plane deportations President Trump threatened to impose heavy taxation on Colombian exports. The country accepted migrants following negotiation talks on the condition that they would be transferred by Colombian military planes to preserve their dignity according to President Petro.
Two fighter planes of the Colombian air force carried 200 returning migrants whose group included women and children to Bogotá. The returning migrants received a greeting from Petro on X where he announced “They are now free in a country that loves them.” Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo stated explicitly that all returning deportees had no history of criminal activity in Colombia. 
Multiple deported migrants shared their terrifying journey while aboard U.S. deportation planes. According to returning resident José Montaña from Medellín the deportees were forced into ankle-to-waist restraints appearing to be imprisoned criminals. From Barranquilla arrived Carlos Gómez who complained that they left seeking the American dream but faced the American nightmare instead.
According to President Trump the security requirements made cable restraints a necessary implementation. Within his new administration the president announced further deportation efforts involving additional deportation targets beyond people with criminal records.
The diplomatic conflict between Colombia and the United States has led to hundreds of planned visa appointment cancellations in the Colombian region. The restart of deportation operations leaves open questions about the long-term workings of the United States’ alliance with Colombia.
