Colombian President Petro Calls for Undocumented Migrants in U.S. to Return Home

Petro offers financial support for returnees following a diplomatic standoff with Trump over deportation policies.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged undocumented Colombians in the U.S. to leave their jobs and return to Colombia, promising government-backed loans for reintegration.
The call follows a diplomatic clash with U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened tariffs and sanctions after Petro initially refused to accept deportation flights using U.S. military planes.
Petro criticized the treatment of deportees, including reports of handcuffing and shackling during flights, and insisted on their return under more humane conditions.
Colombia ultimately agreed to accept deportees without restrictions, avoiding punitive U.S. tariffs and resuming visa processing for Colombian nationals.
The standoff has drawn mixed reactions in Colombia, with concerns over the economic impact of reduced remittances and criticism of Petro's handling of the crisis.