Latest News

Another hit to US-Colombia relations after Noem describes “contentious” Petro meeting

By The City Paper Staff - April 7, 2025

U.S.- Colombia relations are under strain after U.S. Secretary Kristi Noem described her meeting with President Petro as “contentious,” claiming he was friends with cartel members. Colombia has categorially rejected the remarks, calling them false and damaging to bilateral cooperation on security and migration.

Colombia and U.S to expand Biometric Data Sharing for migration and security

By The City Paper Staff - March 27, 2025

Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia hosted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at the San Carlos Palace in Bogotá where an agreement was signed that would expand the sharing of biometric data for law enforcement and migration controls.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to visit Colombia amid tensions over mass deportations

By The City Paper Staff - March 26, 2025

In the first high-level visit by a member of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will meet with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia on Thursday in Bogotá.

Trump Tariffs: A looming crisis for Colombian farmers and women workers

By Richard Emblin - March 4, 2025

U.S. tariffs on Colombian agricultural exports, including coffee and flowers, threaten thousands of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. The peso faces devaluation, and China may seize the opportunity to expand its influence as Colombia seeks alternative trade partners.

U.S. to designate Colombia’s Gulf Clan as a Terrorist Organization

By The City Paper Staff - February 13, 2025

The Trump administration designates eight Latin American gangs, including Colombia’s Gulf Clan, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, escalating U.S. counterterrorism efforts against narcotrafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.

U.S Executive Order to Freeze Aid impacts Colombia’s Black Hawk fleet

By Richard Emblin - January 31, 2025

President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign aid threatens to ground Colombia’s Black Hawk helicopters, vital for counter-narcotics and security operations. With Russian MI-17s also grounded, Colombia faces disruptions in conflict zones such as Catatumbo and environmental protection efforts within its National Parks.

New FM Laura Sarabia must reset Colombia’s image with Washington

By Richard Emblin - January 30, 2025

Colombia’s new Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, faces the challenge of mending strained U.S. relations after diplomatic tensions escalated over deportations and social media clashes. Amid economic and security concerns, Sarabia must restore trust and protect Colombia’s global reputation.

As Deportation Flights continue, Colombians face visa suspensions amid dispute

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Colombia received its third deportation flight from the U.S. amid a diplomatic standoff between Petro and Trump. With the suspension of travel visas, Petro’s late-night social media postings have fueled concern over his erratic leadership style.

Petro triggers political crisis with U.S. before temporary resolution

By The City Paper Staff - January 27, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked a diplomatic crisis with the U.S. by rejecting deportee flights, prompting retaliatory tariffs and visa sanctions from President Trump. Petro ultimately relented, agreeing to U.S. demands to resume deportations under strict American conditions.

Trump snubs Colombia’s Petro for presidential inauguration

By The City Paper Staff - January 16, 2025

Trump’s inauguration is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to Washington, D.C., with international delegations, ministers, and diplomats eager to forge ties with the new administration. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro not on the guest list.

Colombia’s Petro welcomes ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu: “A Genocidal Maniac”

By Richard Emblin - November 21, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Petro labeled Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac” and warned U.S. President Joe Biden against ignoring the ruling, claiming it would lead to “barbarism.”