The U.S. State Department has announced new travel sanctions targeting Colombian government officials and their immediate families. This decision follows President Petro's refusal to accept two repatriation flights, which he had previously authorized. As a result, Secretary Rubio has ordered the suspension of visa issuance at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that these measures will persist until Colombia fulfills its obligation to accept the return of its citizens. The U.S. is firm in defending its national security interests and will continue to enforce an America First agenda.
The authority for these actions comes from INA 212 (a)(3)(C), which allows Secretary Rubio to deem any alien inadmissible if their entry could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
These visa restrictions specifically target Colombian officials and their immediate family members who are deemed responsible for obstructing U.S. repatriation flight operations.