Colombia Accepts Migrants Deported From US After Tariffs Threat From Trump

President Donald Trump backed off a threat of “emergency” tariffs on imports from Colombia after the South American country agreed to let two repatriation flights from the U.S. land there.

“The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms, including the unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the United States, including on U.S. military aircraft, without limitation or delay,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on X Sunday night. Leavitt added that the actions on tariffs and sanctions would “be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement.”

“The Government of Colombia reports that we have overcome the impasse with the Government of the United States,” the country said, adding it would “continue to receive Colombian men and women who return as deportees, guaranteeing them decent conditions as citizens with rights.” 

Earlier Sunday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he would place “emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States” from Colombia, adding they would be lifted to 50% in one week.

Trump’s decision to hold off on tariffs after Colombia agreed to his demands, meanwhile, shows how U.S. trade policy might unfurl following his inauguration. Trump also has threatened to impose tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, the U.S.’s top three trading partners.