By Okon Ekpenyong
The Trump administration recently imposed tariffs and sanctions on Colombia after it refused to accept two US military cargo flights carrying deported Colombian migrants. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro argued that deportees should not be treated as criminals and should be returned as regular civilians. Trump also promised to impose further tariffs and sanctions on other countries refusing to accept a US Deportation flight.
However, in a significant shift, the Colombian government has now agreed to accept all deportees from the US, including those on military aircraft, without any limitations or delays. This move aligns with President Trump’s terms, temporarily stopping imposing tariffs and sanctions. However, visa and enhanced inspections will continue until the US receives confirmation of the first deportees’ arrival in Colombia.
The United States government has the legal authority to arrange a deportation flight to any country, but it must adhere to federal laws and regulations. Additionally, the US must provide advance notice by international agreements with several countries, including Mexico and Colombia. Ensuring that all individuals on such flights receive fair treatment is also essential. However, the historical context of US immigration enforcement, as per the Columbia President, suggests that those deported did receive cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the US 8th Amendment.
The Supreme Court has historically shown considerable deference to executive authority regarding immigration issues but must meet federal law and regulations. This deference can sometimes allow executive orders to override individual constitutional rights, but such power is restricted to unavoidable circumstances, such as the mass deportation order issued by the Trump administration.
And that is why there will always be a division among experts when weighing in on the complex issues regarding immigration and border control. Under Trump’s first Presidency, building a wall was a top priority, but under President Joe Biden’s administration, all border construction stalled. Stopping construction did not go well with President Trump, whom many experts consider a visionary because of his experience with commercial real estate projects. Trump said when he returned to the Whitehouse, building the wall project would continue.
According to a report published in July 2024, the Pew Research Center estimates that the undocumented population in the United States has grown to approximately 11 million, based on data from the 2022 American Community Survey. The states with the largest unauthorized populations, as reported by the study, are California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.
Data also shows that Mexico currently has the largest unauthorized population, with 37% of undocumented immigrants in 2022. This is the lowest number since the 1990s. However, there has been an influx of immigrants from countries other than Mexico between 2019 and 2022, including El Salvador (750,000), India (725,000), Guatemala (675,000), and Honduras (525,000).
What does this mean?
The administration issued a travel ban and visa revocation, which would put restrictions on Colombian government officials, allies, and supporters. In the first week, there will be an emergency 25% tariff on all goods and services from Columbia to the US. But it will increase to 50% if both countries dont agree on a term.
Furthermore, Trump is ordering his Department of Homeland Security to enhance customer and border protection and inspect all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds.
Columbia imposes its Tariff on the US
As the United States is Colombia’s most significant trade and investment partner, with over $39 billion in goods and services, the strained relationship due to the deportation flight issue could have important consequences. In response, Colombia’s President has directed his Foreign Trade Minister to impose tariffs on US imports, potentially reaching up to 25%.
Trade between Columbia and the United States
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, and the US Census Bureau, Colombia is the leading supplier of flowers to the United States, holding approximately 37% of the market share. “In 2022, Colombia’s flower exports to the US totaled $1.2 billion, establishing it as the largest supplier of cut flowers, plants, and nursery stock”.
“Other significant suppliers of US flowers and nursery products include Canada, Ecuador, and the European Union. Ecuador is particularly notable for its roses, Delphiniums, asters, Gypsophila, and mixed bouquets. Interestingly, while California is the top cut flower producer in the US, followed by Florida, imports dominate the US flower market, with Colombia and Ecuador leading the way, according to multiple sources, including the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism,”.
The Trump administration reiterated that if countries like Mexico and Canada do not effectively manage their border issues, they risk facing trade tariffs as part of a strict immigration policy, potentially disrupting global trade.
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