The U.S. has suspended visa processing in Colombia.

The U.S. embassy's visa department in Colombia has closed and suspended visa processing. This decision came after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to accept two flights carrying migrants from the U.S.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on social media platform X and CNN.

The suspension applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, which typically number in the thousands each day.

Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized "travel sanctions against individuals and families responsible for interfering with repatriation operations to the U.S." This action aligns with the retaliatory measures previously threatened by President Trump on Sunday.

According to CNN, imposing visa restrictions on individuals from allied countries is an extraordinary step, as such measures usually target adversaries or those who have violated human rights or the democratic process. Colombia, however, is a significant ally of the United States.

The publication added that it is currently unclear how many Colombian officials have been affected by the U.S. visa restrictions.

The measures will remain in effect until Colombia fulfills its obligations to return its own citizens, as stated in the announcement.

Trump's Measures Against Colombia

Recall that on Sunday, January 26, Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked the landing of two U.S. military aircraft in the country, which were carrying deported migrants from the U.S. In response, Trump imposed a series of restrictions and sanctions against the country.

In turn, the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated that the agreement on deportation flights had been preliminarily agreed upon between the countries. However, the Colombian president suddenly canceled the agreement while the planes were already in flight. In a post on platform X, Gustavo Petro expressed his disagreement with the use of military aircraft for deportation and condemned the U.S. treatment of Colombian migrants.

In response, Petro ordered the Ministry of Trade to increase import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%.