BOGOTA, Jan 28 (Reuters) - The Colombian government announced that two air force planes carrying deportees from the United States had landed in Bogota on Tuesday. This action signals the potential end to visa restrictions and other measures on Colombian citizens imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
President Gustavo Petro prevented an economic crisis over the weekend following negotiations between his government's diplomats and their U.S. counterparts regarding deportation flights. This issue had escalated to threats of tariffs from both nations and the U.S. implementing visa restrictions.
One aircraft, arriving from San Diego, California, transported 110 Colombians, while the other, departing from El Paso, Texas, brought back 91 individuals, as confirmed by the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
One of the deportees, 26-year-old engineer Andredy Alexander Barrientos, revealed to reporters at Bogota's airport that he had stayed in the U.S. for just 12 days, seeking "more economic stability."
Initially opposing the use of U.S. military planes for deportations, President Petro expressed concern over the treatment of Colombian citizens as criminals and initially refused landing rights to the planes. Consequently, President Trump threatened substantial tariffs, reaching up to 50% within a week, along with other financial sanctions and visa restrictions.
Following intense negotiations, which included threats of tariffs from Petro as well, a deal was finalized on Sunday evening. While U.S. officials considered this outcome a triumph in showcasing U.S. strength using Colombia as an example, Colombian officials view the agreement as a significant step forward.
On Monday, many hopeful Colombians had their long-awaited visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota abruptly cancelled.