Migration policies often lead to tensions between nations.
The way deportations are handled can spark disagreements over human rights and national sovereignty.
Governments receiving deported citizens may not always agree with the methods used. The issue becomes even more complex when military aircraft are involved.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his country has denied entry to U.S. military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants.
He stated that only civilian flights treating deportees with dignity would be allowed to land. Petro emphasized that migrants are not criminals and should be treated with respect.
Revoked Landing Authorization
He did not specify how many flights were affected or how many migrants were on board. However, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that two military planes bound for Colombia were turned away.
The aircraft had departed from California with around 80 migrants each when Colombian authorities revoked their landing authorization, according to Digi24.
This move comes shortly after a similar incident in Mexico. Mexican officials also refused to allow a U.S. military plane carrying deported migrants to land.
Brazil has likewise raised concerns, with officials in Brasília demanding explanations from Washington about what they described as degrading treatment of deported Brazilian migrants.
Petro has been vocal in his criticism of U.S. immigration policies. He reiterated that Colombia will welcome its citizens back, but only on civilian flights.
He stressed that deportations should be conducted in a manner that respects both the migrants and their home country.
Tensions over deportations have been rising as countries push back against U.S. policies. The use of military aircraft for these flights has drawn criticism, with some nations arguing that it criminalizes migrants.
