The United States has faced diplomatic tensions with Colombia and Brazil following the deportation of migrants using military aircraft. On Friday, U.S. military aircraft conducted two flights to Guatemala, each carrying approximately 80 migrants. This marked the first time in recent memory that U.S. military planes were used for such deportations. Colombia, however, refused to accept these flights, becoming the second Latin American nation to do so. Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the practice, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect for deported individuals.
The deportation flights are part of the Pentagon's response to former President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration on immigration made earlier in the week. The flights included one carrying 88 Brazilian passengers, 16 U.S. security agents, and 8 crew members, originally destined for Belo Horizonte in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The situation escalated when President Trump threatened retaliatory measures against Colombia, including tariffs and sanctions. Trump expressed his stance on Truth Social, indicating these actions are "just the beginning."
"We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!" – Donald Trump
President Petro of Colombia condemned the use of military aircraft for deportations, arguing it treats migrants as criminals. He emphasized that Colombia would only accept migrants returned on civilian planes, insisting on their dignified treatment. Petro highlighted that there were over 15,000 Americans residing in Colombia without proper immigration status, suggesting a need for reciprocal treatment.
In Brazil, the situation has also drawn criticism. The country's foreign ministry condemned what it described as "degrading treatment" of Brazilian citizens after they were handcuffed on a commercial deportation flight. Brazilian officials intervened, ordering the removal of handcuffs and arranging for a Brazilian Air Force flight to complete the deportees' journey home.
This incident is reminiscent of past uses of U.S. military aircraft for relocation efforts, such as during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. However, the current use for deportations has sparked controversy and strained diplomatic relations with key Latin American nations.