Deportation Flights from the US to Colombia Resume Following Diplomatic Dispute

Colombian migrants returned home on Colombian military flights, recounting their experiences of being shackled during earlier US deportation flights. This followed a diplomatic standoff between Colombia and the US, which nearly led to a trade conflict. Deportation flights resumed after Colombia agreed to accept the migrants on its own military planes, ensuring their dignity.

Colombian President's Response

President Gustavo Petro initially refused two US military planes carrying migrants, leading to threats of tariffs from President Donald Trump. Eventually, Colombia agreed to accept the migrants but insisted on using its own military aircraft. Petro welcomed the returnees with a message on X, stating they are now "free" and "in a country that loves them."

The Colombian air force transported over 200 migrants, including many women and children, back to Bogotá. José Montaña from Medellín described the harsh conditions on US flights, saying they were shackled like criminals. He noted that children witnessed their mothers in chains, likening it to treatment reserved for drug traffickers.

Experiences of Migrants

Some migrants shared that they had been in the US for less than two weeks, mostly in detention centres. Carlos Gómez from Barranquilla recounted his journey, which began with hopes of achieving the American dream but ended in what he called a nightmare. He crossed into California illegally with his son, seeking asylum but was detained and deported.

On Monday evening, Trump defended the use of restraints during deportations at a policy conference in Florida. He argued that such measures are necessary for security reasons, describing the deportees as dangerous individuals. "We were being scolded because we had them in shackles in an airplane and he said this is no way to treat people," Trump stated.

US-Colombia Agreement

The Trump administration prioritised deporting migrants with criminal records but also included those who entered illegally. It remains unclear how many of the returned Colombians had criminal histories. A deal was reached on Sunday night to resume deportation flights, with Colombia agreeing to all of Trump's terms.

Colombia dispatched two air force planes to Houston and El Paso to collect the delayed deportees and others awaiting removal. In total, 201 migrants were flown back to Bogotá on Tuesday. Last year, Colombia received over 120 deportation flights operated by US contractors.

Wolfram Díaz from Bucaramanga described being shackled aboard a C-130 Hercules bound for Colombia before being turned back. He remained handcuffed until handed over to Colombian authorities. Gómez expressed his desire for a better future for his children despite the challenges faced during his journey.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions between countries over immigration policies and the treatment of migrants during deportations. The agreement between Colombia and the US reflects a compromise amid these diplomatic challenges.