Even now, President Trump’s policies on immigration are being implemented. Tom “The Hammer”, the new border czar is sending Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to work with local law enforcement to round up criminal illegal aliens, get them on flights, and send them back home.
Not all countries are docile in their acceptance of the return of their citizens. Venezuela announced that it would refuse to repatriate its citizens. Colombia has now joined them in refusing to accept flights for the repatriation of Colombians who are illegally in America.
A U.S. official confirmed that Colombia turned away two U.S. deportation aircraft on Sunday, which were carrying migrants as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. This is at least a second instance of a Latin American country refusing U.S. deportation flights.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned this practice and suggested that it treats migrants like criminals. Petro wrote on the social media platform X that Colombia would welcome deported migrants back home on civilian aircraft, saying they must be treated with respect and dignity.
Mexico also refused to allow a U.S. aircraft to land in Mexico with migrants last week. Petro wrote that the U.S. could not treat Colombian migrants like criminals, pointing out that there are 15,660 Americans in Colombia without proper immigration status.
It may be that the Latin American countries who refuse to allow these flights of repatriation are making a mistake. Brazil is also pushing back.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “degrading” treatment of Brazilians late Saturday night after migrants were handcuffed during a commercial flight for deportation. Local news reported that some passengers had also complained of mistreatment on the flight.
Originally, the plane carrying 88 Brazilians, 16 U.S. agents of security, and 8 crew members was scheduled to land in Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais in southeast Brazil.
The Latin American countries are fighting well above their weight classes.
President Trump has already announced retaliatory measures:
Senior administration official: This is a clear signal that we send to countries about their obligation to accept flights of repatriation.
There seems to be a simpler solution, though perhaps not as efficient as flying illegal immigrants home on C-17s. It might be easier to provide each individual with a one-way ticket, possibly via a third-party country, and have a U.S. Marshal accompany them to ensure they disembark and remain there. As of now, the Trump administration is opting for more diplomatic approaches—diplomatic in the sense that diplomacy often involves saying “Nice doggie, nice doggie” while searching for a rock. Trade and financial sanctions could push these nations to accept their citizens back, especially given the United States’ significant leverage. One thing Trump has made clear in his second term is that he’s not backing down.
This situation is developing. As events warrant, we will provide you with updates.
