Trump Imposes Tariffs, Sanctions on Colombia Amid Immigration Tensions

In response to Colombia's refusal to accept deportation flights, President Donald Trump announced significant retaliatory measures, including a 25% tariff on Colombian imports set to increase to 50% shortly, as well as travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of reversing authorization for these flights mid-air, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to strict immigration enforcement. This escalating situation highlights a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards leveraging economic pressure to achieve national security objectives. The tensions are further complicated by Colombia's ongoing struggles with guerrilla violence and rising cocaine production, which threaten President Petro's peace efforts and could jeopardize Colombia’s long-standing alliance with the U.S. As drug violence surges, the relationship between Trump's administration and Petro's government appears increasingly strained. The potential for decertification as a U.S. drug war partner looms, which could further damage Colombia's international standing.