A Colombian woman, recently deported from the United States, has issued a stark warning to her fellow citizens about the perils of attempting illegal entry into the U.S. under President Trump's stringent new policies. She advised against the journey, highlighting the immediate risk of deportation and the harsh realities of detention, following her own experience of being sent back to Colombia on one of several deportation flights that resumed after a diplomatic standoff between Presidents Trump and Petro.
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| Image Credit: X screenshot/@RichiMalagonS |
A recently deported Colombian woman issued a warning to her fellow countrymen: don’t illegally cross into the United States unless you want to be deported.
“Don’t go. Don’t go because they are deporting all of you…They are
not going to release them the next day, but there are people who have
been missing for a month,” the woman told local media upon returning to
Colombia on a deportation flight.
NEW: Illegal immigrant tells other migrants not to go to the United States, says it's not worth it after they were deported back to Colombia."Don't go. Don't go because they are deporting all of you... They have already sent soldiers to the border."One man said he was happy… pic.twitter.com/m7N2gIgTKA— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 28, 2025
She went on to warn her compatriots that President Trump has already deployed the military to the U.S. southern border.
“Do not leave. There is already an army, they have already sent soldiers to the border,” she said. “They put them in the asylum but they do not release them.”
“They gave us priority because we brought the babies, but lasted eight days there without eating well. The treatment was horrible,” she added.
Another man said he was happy to be back in Colombia after claiming U.S. officials treated him and other illegal aliens “very badly.”
“We really miss being here and the truth is that some of us regret having left,” he said.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro had initially refused to accept U.S. deportation flights into his country but reversed course this week after President Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs that would increase to 50% after one week unless he agreed to repatriate the Colombian nationals.
Up-to-Date Knowledge:
Deportation and Border Policy:
Military at the Border: President Trump has deployed military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border, enhancing security measures and signaling a tougher stance on illegal immigration. This move is part of his broader policy to control immigration and enforce deportation.
Deportation Experience: The woman's account of her deportation experience included stories of poor treatment, lack of proper meals, and prolonged detention, even for those with babies, suggesting a significant shift in how migrants are handled upon capture.
Diplomatic Standoff:
Colombian Reaction: Initially, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to accept deportation flights from the U.S., which led to a diplomatic spat. Trump retaliated by threatening steep tariffs on Colombian goods, which could have severely impacted Colombia's economy.
Reversal: After negotiations, Colombia agreed to accept the deportees on their terms, using Colombian military flights to ensure what they described as dignified treatment, thus avoiding the escalation of trade tensions.
Public Sentiment and Warnings:
Warnings to Migrants: The deported woman's message to potential migrants was clear: the U.S. is no longer releasing migrants quickly after they apply for asylum. Instead, they face detention, deportation, and possible mistreatment, urging others to reconsider their plans to cross illegally.
Regrets from Returnees: The sentiments echoed by another deportee reflect a longing for home and regret over the decision to leave Colombia, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of migration under the current U.S. policy environment.
This situation underscores the changing dynamics of U.S. immigration policy under Trump's administration, showcasing both the domestic enforcement strategies and the international diplomatic repercussions. The warnings from deported individuals serve as a cautionary tale for those contemplating an illegal journey north, amidst a backdrop of tightened border security and international negotiations.