The White House announced Colombia agreed to take back deported illegal aliens after a Sunday showdown between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The statement said:
“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. Based on this agreement, the fully drafted IEEPA tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement. The visa sanctions issued by the State Department, and enhanced inspections from Customs and Border Protection, will remain in effect until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned. Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again. President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States.”
Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo stated that he and Ambassador Daniel Garcia Peña will travel to D.C. to work on agreements.
“We will continue to welcome Colombians who return as deportees, guaranteeing them decent conditions as citizens with rights,” added Murillo.
Murillo said Perez “has the presidential plane ready to facilitate the return of the compatriots.”
The war of words started on Sunday when Colombia refused to accept two planes with illegal aliens.
Trump threatened a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, among other steps:
-Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.-A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.-Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.-Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.-IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.
Perez began his back down mid-afternoon, demanding the illegal aliens receive a “dignified” return.
When Trump didn’t answer, Perez threatened 25% tariffs on U.S. goods.
America is Colombia’s main trading partner, but the agreement is lopsided. The New York Times even admitted it. Granted, the publication buried it: “The United States is Colombia’s largest trading partner, but Colombian products make up a relatively minor share of U.S. imports.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY