Colombian President Gustavo Petro has made a surprising U-turn in the deportation saga with the US.
After initially refusing to accept deportation flights from the US, citing concerns over the dignified treatment of migrants, Colombian President Petro has now offered his presidential plane to facilitate the repatriation of Colombian migrants.
This sudden change of heart comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose emergency tariffs of up to 50% on Colombia for non-cooperation in accepting illegal migrants.
Trump’s administration had also halted visa processing at the US embassy in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, in response to Colombian President Petro’s initial refusal.
Petro’s decision to offer his presidential plane is seen as a move to ease tensions with the US and avoid further economic repercussions.
The Colombian government has stated that the plane will help facilitate a “dignified return” for the migrants, emphasizing the importance of treating them with respect and dignity.
The deportation saga has highlighted the complex and often contentious issue of migration between the US and Colombia.
While Colombian President Petro’s initial refusal to accept deportation flights was seen as a stance against the perceived mistreatment of migrants, his subsequent U-turn has raised questions about the effectiveness of his approach.
