Key Takeaways:

• Colombia resumed deportation flights from the US after overcoming a diplomatic standoff, with over 200 migrants returned.
• President Gustavo Petro emphasized the necessity of treating deportees with dignity, stating they are not criminals.
• Trump threatened tariffs on Colombian exports amid the disagreement over treatment protocols for deported migrants.
• Initial flights saw migrants shackled and facing inhumane conditions, despite claims from Colombian officials that they had no criminal records.

Deportation flights between the United States and Colombia resumed on Tuesday following a significant diplomatic confrontation that nearly escalated into a trade war. The standoff began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked two US military planes carrying deported migrants and insisted on the right to determine the terms under which these flights would operate. In an effort to maintain his tough stance on immigration, former President Donald Trump responded with threats of 25% tariffs on Colombian goods, escalating tensions between the two nations. However, the two sides reached a compromise late on Sunday, with Petro agreeing to accept deportation flights under conditions aimed at preserving the dignity of the returnees, according to an official statement from Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Tuesday, two Colombian air force planes arrived at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport carrying 201 migrants. President Petro welcomed them with a message on social media declaring that they are “free” and “in a country that loves them.” He emphasized that “migrants are not criminals” and deserve humane treatment. This stance highlights a clear contrast with the earlier treatment many deportees faced during their flights back to Colombia, where reports indicated that prior deportees had been transported in shackles, raising significant human rights concerns. One migrant shared their story of being shackled during the flight, describing how such treatment was inhumane and unnecessary.

Despite Trump’s insistence that many deportees were dangerous criminals, Colombian officials have stated that none of the individuals in Tuesday's flights had criminal records in either the US or Colombia. The diplomatic and ideological rift exposed by these events reflects broader challenges in US-Colombia relations, particularly regarding immigration policies under the Trump administration, which prioritizes strict enforcement against undocumented migrants.

The situation reveals the complexity of managing migration-related policies in light of both nations' political climates. Colombia had previously consented to deportation flights under different terms, but recent policies under the Trump administration, including the use of military aircraft, have altered this dynamic significantly. As President Petro navigates these challenges, the Colombian government maintains that their prioritization is on the rights and welfare of its citizens.

In reaction to the rapidly changing political landscape, US administration officials highlighted this agreement as a victory. Still, the controversy surrounding how deportees are treated will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions regarding future US-Colombia relations. The situation underscores critical questions about human rights in deportation processes and the need for both nations to reach an understanding that protects the dignity of migrants.

For further details, read more from AP News, Al Jazeera, Newsweek, and Newsweek.