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US President Donald Trump sparked a major tariff spat but his first victim is not Canada, Mexico or China whom he often threatened, but US ally Colombia. And now the South American nation reversed its initial decision to refuse the deported nationals.
Trump's move was triggered by Colombia's decision to deny entry to two US flights deporting illegal immigrants since they were military planes and not civilian flights.
Without waiting for any negotiations, Trump took to his Truth Social account, saying the US will not let the South American ally to violate its legal obligations in accepting the "criminals they forced into the United States".
Trump threatened to impose 25 per cent tariff on Colombia, in addition to travel ban and visa revocations on government officials. Around 27 per cent of coffee worth $2 billion imported by the US is from Colombia.
Taking a U-turn on his initial refusal to allow the flights to enter, Colombia President Gustavo Petro arrange the presidential aircraft to give "a dignified return" for the deported Colombian citizens.
"This measure responds to the Government's commitment to guarantee dignified conditions. Under no circumstances have Colombians, as patriots and rights-holders, been or will be banished from Colombian territory," a statement by the Colombian President's office read.
Colombia has formed a Unified Command Post to review protocols in order to ensure that the deported citizens receive dignified treatment and their human rights and integrity are respected. The government said it is in touch with the US administration to ensure the same for its deported nationals.
