Trump’s Deportation Plan Strain Ties with Latin American Allies
Samira Ali
Staff Writer
Just days into his second term, United States President Donald Trump has begun his crackdown on immigration, carrying out his promise to conduct the largest deportation plan in U.S. history, with 6,000 migrants already arrested, reports Forbes. His controversial plan has flooded headlines as it was immediately met with backlash from both American politicians and international leaders. The crackdown on immigration has led to significant diplomatic tensions with Latin American allies, who are outraged by the aggressive policies and the inhumane treatment of deportees. These tensions are forcing Latin American governments and their populations to reconsider their economic and diplomatic relations with the United States, prompting them to explore alternatives, especially with global powers such as China.
Under Trump’s executive order, the U.S. has adopted a new approach to deportation by utilizing military flights instead of traditional commercial flights to deport migrants. Foreign Policy writes that on Sunday, the Brazilian government condemned the degrading treatment of migrants who arrived in Brazil on January 24, accusing the U.S. of violating its diplomatic agreement on the humane treatment of deportees. These deportees were reportedly threatened and assaulted by U.S. agents, shackled at their hands and feet, and denied access to food, water, bathrooms, and sufficient ventilation, causing some individuals to faint.
However, Brazil was not alone in denouncing Trump’s deportation plans. Early last week, President Trump clashed with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the deportation issue, nearly pushing the nations into a full-on trade war. The tension was triggered when Colombia denied two U.S. military deportation flights from entry, as Petro demanded the humane treatment of deportees upon their arrival. However, President Petro eventually agreed to receive the migrants after Trump announced a series of retaliatory tariffs and sanctions including a 25 to 50 percent tariff on all Colombian goods and travel bans for Colombian officials, etc. Although these measures were later redacted, they threatened to cause significant economic ruin for Colombia, the third-largest economy in the continent.
Both Colombia and Brazil echo a growing outrage felt across Latin America, regarding the racist targeting of Latino migrants in the United States. While Latin American governments eventually complied with Trump, these bullying tactics could lead to adverse consequences, including a divergence from dependence on the U.S., and an increased interest in forging stronger ties with China. Many Latin American nations now see China as a viable alternative, attracted by its foreign aid and investment in infrastructure projects.
However, this shift is not just a response to the dehumanizing treatment of migrants and nationals abroad but also reflects a broader and growing dissatisfaction with the United States as many nations feel betrayed. Regional powers are bracing for the next four years, an era that will likely be characterized by racist sentiment, threats of economic sanctions, and in some cases, even military intervention, as seen in Panama. Already, Newsweek reports that South Americans are already suffering the effects of the recent foreign aid freeze, as nonprofits across the continent have had to cease operations that catered to vulnerable populations. Such programs included reintegration programs in Brazil and Colombia, as well as programs aimed at protecting children from sex trafficking in war-torn and impoverished regions. As The Guardian warns, as organized gang violence and guerilla warfare intensify throughout South America, the end of these vital programs, and the possible imposition of economic sanctions or military intervention, threatens to create a power vacuum in which violence will worsen. In this event, Trump’s policies may drive larger numbers of Latin American migrants.
Image courtesy of Getty Images
