Colombian President Gustavo Petro did not allow planes carrying Colombian immigrants deported from the USA to land in the country. Making a statement on his social media account, Petro argued that US officials treated Colombian immigrants as “criminals”.
“I DO NOT ALLOW US PLANES”
President Petro said, “The USA cannot treat Colombian immigrants as criminals. I do not allow US planes carrying Colombian immigrants to enter our territory. Before we accept immigrants, the USA must establish a protocol to treat them with dignity.” he said.
Before making these statements, Petro announced that two planes expected to come from the USA would land in Colombia and instructed the citizens to be welcomed with flags and flowers.
SANCTION DECISION FROM TRUMP
Trump shared the issue on his Truth Social account. Stating that he learned that two return planes from the USA “carrying a large number of fugitive criminals” were not allowed to land in Colombia, Trump said, “This order was given by the socialist President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who is already not very popular among his people.” he said.
Trump stated that Petro’s refusal to allow planes to land in the country endangered the national and public security of the USA, and that he ordered immediate and decisive retaliatory measures to be taken.
Stating that he wants an immediate 25 percent customs duty to be imposed on all goods entering the United States from Colombia, Trump emphasized that this rate will be increased to 50 percent within a week.
“THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING”
Trump stated that he ordered travel bans and visa cancellations for Colombian government officials as well as all their allies and supporters, and noted that the Colombian government will impose visa sanctions on all party members, their families and supporters.
Pointing out that customs and border protection inspections will be increased for all Colombian citizens and cargo for national security reasons, Trump stated that treasury, banking and financial sanctions will also be applied.
Emphasizing that these measures are just the beginning, Trump said, “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and extradition of criminals it forcibly sent to the United States.” he said.
VISA SERVICES HAVE BEEN STOPPED
According to local media, the first plane carrying Colombian immigrants deported from the USA was expected to land in Colombia at 06.45 local time, and the second plane at 10.00. According to the El Colombiano website, the US Embassy in Bogota decided to stop visa procedures in response to Petro’s decision. (AA)