Colombian President Petro rejects US deportation flights: "A migrant is not a criminal"
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has taken a decisive stand against U.S. deportation practices, refusing to allow American military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants to land in the country.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has taken a firm stand against recent deportation practices implemented by the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump. In a bold move, Petro announced that Colombia will no longer permit U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombian migrants to land in the country, sparking international debate about immigration policies and the treatment of migrants.
This decision aligns with a growing resistance from other Latin American countries to U.S. deportation practices, highlighting concerns over the dignity and rights of deported individuals. Petro emphasized that migrants should not be treated as criminals and called for protocols that respect their human rights.
Deportation flights denied entry in Latin America
President Petro revealed that Colombia recently refused entry to two U.S. military planes transporting deported Colombian nationals. He stated that such deportations must occur on civilian aircraft to ensure the dignity and safety of those being repatriated.
In a post on X, Colombia's leftist leader wrote: "A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves," Petro declared, reiterating his commitment to human rights.
Statement from the Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, against Trump's deportation. Photo: X
“That is why I ordered the return of US military planes carrying Colombian migrants,” the Colombian President wrote, sharing a video of Brazilian deportees who had been flown out of the US, shackled at the wrist and ankles.
He added: “I cannot force migrants to remain in a country that does not want them. But if that country returns them, it must be with dignity and respect – for both them and our nation. In civilian planes, and without treating them like criminals, we will welcome our compatriots. Colombia deserves respect,” sentence the Latin-American President.
Regional resistance to immigration US policies
Petro's stance echoes similar actions taken by other Latin American countries. Mexico recently denied entry to a U.S. military aircraft carrying deported individuals, and Brazil condemned the mistreatment of deportees who arrived handcuffed on a commercial flight.
Brazil's government intervened to remove the restraints and demanded an explanation from the U.S. about its treatment of deportees.
In a statement, Brazil's ministry of foreign affairs announced it would file a formal "request for clarification" with the US government over the “degrading treatment” of the deportees – including six children, who reportedly were not shackled.
The Brazilian government has stated that the use of handcuffs and leg restraints "breaches the agreement with the U.S., which mandates the dignified, respectful, and humane treatment of deportees."
Upon arrival, deportees reported to Brazilian media that they had been subjected to assault and threats by U.S. agents during the flight.