Colombia's President Gustavo Petro Rejects US Deportation Flights Until Dignity Protocol Established

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his administration will not accept flights deporting migrants from the United States until a protocol ensuring their "dignity" is established. Petro shared this decision through two posts on X, one of which featured a video showing migrants reportedly deported to Brazil, restrained at both hands and feet while walking on a tarmac.

The US government has not yet provided a response to The Associated Press regarding the aircraft and protocols used for deportations to Colombia. Petro emphasised that migrants are not criminals and deserve humane treatment. "A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity that a human being deserves," Petro stated. "That is why I returned the US military planes that were carrying Colombian migrants."

Protocol for Migrant Deportations

Petro further stated that Colombia would only accept its citizens returning on "civilian airplanes" and without being treated like criminals. This stance comes amid actions by the Trump administration to fulfil campaign promises aimed at curbing illegal immigration. These measures include deploying active-duty military personnel to secure borders and facilitate deportations.

On Friday, two Air Force C-17 cargo planes landed in Guatemala, carrying migrants removed from the United States. Additionally, Honduras received two deportation flights on the same day, with a total of 193 individuals on board.

President Petro's firm position highlights the need for respectful treatment of migrants during deportation processes. His insistence on civilian aircraft underscores Colombia's commitment to ensuring dignity for its citizens returning home.