Bogotá, Colombia – In a significant diplomatic move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the suspension of American planes transporting migrants back to Colombia. The planes, which were carrying individuals deported from the United States, had been scheduled to land at several Colombian airports in the coming days.
Petro's decision comes amid rising tensions over the treatment of migrants and Colombia's ongoing struggle with managing migration flows. In a statement released late last night, the president cited concerns over the safety and dignity of returning migrants, accusing the U.S. of handling deportations in a manner that fails to respect human rights.
"Colombia will not serve as a destination for migrants being forcibly removed from the United States," Petro said. "We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens and those returning to our country."
The move is likely to strain relations between Colombia and the U.S., with American officials expressing disappointment over the president’s action. The U.S. has not yet commented publicly but is expected to engage in talks with Colombia's government in an attempt to resolve the situation.
Colombia has long been a transit point for migrants from various Latin American countries seeking better opportunities in the U.S. and elsewhere. However, Petro’s decision signals a shift in policy, as he grapples with the humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by large-scale migration.
This development comes amid broader regional debates about migration policies and the shared responsibility of countries in the Americas. The blocking of the planes has drawn mixed reactions in Colombia, with some citizens applauding the move, while others express concern about the potential strain it could place on Colombia’s already overburdened resources.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.