Wed Jan 29 05:11:59 IST 2025: ## Trump’s Deportation Dispute with Colombia Ends in Compromise, but Highlights Harsh Treatment of Migrants

**Bogota, Colombia –** A diplomatic standoff between the United States and Colombia over the deportation of migrants ended Tuesday with the return of over 200 Colombian nationals on Colombian military flights. The agreement followed a weekend of escalating tensions, with President Donald Trump threatening tariffs on Colombian goods after President Gustavo Petro initially refused to accept U.S. military planes carrying deportees, citing concerns over their treatment.

The dispute centered on the reported shackling of migrants during transport on U.S. flights. Several deportees, including José Montaña and Wolfram Díaz, described being restrained with chains, even women and children, drawing condemnation from Colombian officials and prompting President Petro to demand the use of Colombian aircraft to ensure the migrants’ dignity. Mr. Trump defended the practice, claiming the migrants posed a security risk and included “murderers, drug lords, and gang members,” a claim refuted by Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, who stated that none of the returned individuals had criminal records.

While Colombia ultimately agreed to accept the migrants, the incident highlighted the harsh realities of deportation under the Trump administration. Migrants recounted stories of detention lasting only a few days before deportation, despite some having sought asylum. Carlos Gómez, who had been in the U.S. for less than two weeks, lamented, “We went for the American dream, and we ended up living the American nightmare.”

The White House, while stating Colombia “agreed to all of President Trump’s terms,” clarified that violent offenders should be ICE’s priority, implying that mass deportations may extend beyond those with criminal records. The agreement marks a resumption of deportation flights after a period of suspension, with Colombia using its own air force planes to transport the migrants, including 21 minors and two pregnant women. This contrasts with the previous practice of utilizing U.S. government contractor charter flights. While Colombia accepted over 120 deportation flights last year, this incident underscores the significant political and humanitarian implications of the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

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