In a high-stakes standoff between Colombia and the United States, Colombian President Gustavo Petro reversed his refusal to accept deportation flights following heavy retaliatory measures from US President Donald Trump. The initial rejection of US deportation planes led Trump to impose a 25% "emergency tariff" on Colombian imports, among other punitive actions, including a travel ban on Colombian citizens and visa revocations for officials.

Faced with mounting economic pressure, Colombia announced a reversal on Sunday, pledging to ensure the "dignified return" of deported nationals. The presidential plane was deployed to receive deportees, with Petro emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights. "Under no circumstances have Colombians, as patriots and rights-holders, been or will be banished from Colombian territory," Petro's office stated.

To mitigate the impact of the deportations, the Colombian government formed a Unified Command Post, involving key ministries, to guarantee humane treatment of returning nationals. The government also committed to ongoing talks with the US to establish dignified deportation protocols.

The reversal marked a significant diplomatic victory for Trump, who had responded swiftly to Colombia's initial defiance by slapping tariffs and hinting at broader economic isolation. While Petro initially retaliated with increased tariffs on US imports, Colombia's reliance on US trade made a prolonged conflict unsustainable.

Trump's administration praised the move, announcing the suspension of sanctions. However, the incident highlighted deep tensions over immigration policies, with Petro accusing the US of treating migrants unjustly.