Visa Sanctions Remain in Effect Until the First Flight Carrying Illegal Immigrants Returns to the U.S.
The friction between the United States and Colombia, sparked by the refusal to deport illegal immigrants using military aircraft, was dramatically resolved through negotiations on the 26th (local time), avoiding a tariff war.
The White House issued a statement through its spokesperson on the same day, saying, "The Colombian government has agreed to all conditions set by President Donald Trump," adding, "this includes the immediate or unhindered return of Colombian illegal residents from the United States, including transporting them on U.S. military aircraft."
Earlier, when a U.S. military aircraft carrying Colombian illegal immigrants arrested in a large-scale deportation operation was denied landing by the Colombian government, President Trump announced the immediate implementation of a 25% tariff and threatened to impose a 50% tariff within a week as a strong sanction.
He also ordered enhanced customs and border inspections on Colombian nationals and cargo based on national security grounds, as well as Treasury, banking, and financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia Photo by Yonhap News
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro retaliated by announcing a 25% tariff on the U.S., raising concerns that a 'tariff war' might erupt between the two allied countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The White House explained, "According to the agreement between the two governments, unless Colombia breaches the agreement, the draft tariff and sanction provisions prepared under IEEPA will be put on hold and will not be signed."
However, visa sanctions on Colombian officials and their families by the State Department, as well as enhanced customs and border inspections, will remain in effect until the first flight carrying Colombian illegal immigrants returns to the United States.
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