US Suspends Visa Issuance in Colombia

The United States has suspended visa issuance at its embassy in Colombia.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this was in response to Colombia’s refusal to accept military deportation flights.

The diplomatic standoff began when Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked two deportation flights, citing concerns over the mistreatment of deportees. Petro insisted that Colombia would only accept deportees on civilian aircraft, not military planes.

Rubio stated, “Measures will continue until Colombia meets its obligations to accept the return of its own citizens.” The US Embassy in Colombia confirmed that visa issuance would be suspended indefinitely.