Colombian President Confirms He Blocked US Military Planes With Illegal Immigrants

‘We will receive our fellow citizens on civilian planes, without treating them like criminals,’ President Gustavo Petro said.

Guatemalan nationals deported from the United States walk on the tarmac after landing at the Air Force Base in Guatemala City in the first flight of deportees of the year, on Jan. 3, 2024. Johan Ordonez/AFP via Getty Images

Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed Sunday he blocked military flights from the United States that were carrying deported Colombian nationals.

Last week, President Donald Trump took a series of actions to ramp up enforcement against illegal immigrants, authorizing U.S. military assets to assist in deportations. The White House also confirmed on social media that deportations started late last week.