Letters from an American: January 27, 2025 – Detailed Summary

Heather Cox Richardson dives deep into the escalating tensions between the United States and Colombia, examining the broader implications for migration policies, international trade, and geopolitical alliances. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of recent events, policy shifts, and their ripple effects across the Western Hemisphere.

1. Escalation of US-Colombia Tensions

On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with Colombia following the rejection of two US military airplanes carrying deportees. Heather outlines the context of this conflict, highlighting the existing deportation agreement under former President Joe Biden which saw Colombia accepting 475 deportation flights from 2020 to 2024, with 124 flights in 2024 alone.

"Colombia and the US had an existing arrangement for deportations under former President Joe Biden, and it accepted 475 deportation flights from 2020 to 2024, accepting 124 flights in 2024 alone." (00:07)

Trump's approach differed sharply from Biden’s. While the Biden administration utilized commercial and charter flights, Trump deployed military planes without prior announcement, challenging Colombia's sovereignty.

"Trump used a military plane that arrived unannounced." — Juliette Kayam, National Security Analyst (00:07)

According to Tim Naftali of Columbia University, unauthorized military landings infringe upon a nation's sovereignty, a principle Colombia upheld by rejecting the military planes and offering its presidential plane instead.

2. Migrant Deportation Policies: Trump vs. Biden

Heather contrasts the deportation strategies of the two administrations. Under Biden, migrants were deported using commercial means with assurances of dignified treatment. Conversely, Trump's administration pursued aggressive deportations, branding any unauthorized entry as criminal.

"Trump and MAGA Republicans repeatedly insisted that Biden had maintained open borders, while in fact, what the administration did was to try to address a situation made worse by the Coronavirus pandemic." (11:10)

The shift under Trump led to daily deportation raids, often orchestrated for media coverage. Journalists like Josh Campbell and Andy Rose reported on the orchestrated displays of ICE agents in tactical gear, enhancing the perception of a securitized border.

"Agents were told to have their agency names clearly displayed for the press." (11:10)

Trump's policies resulted in the cancellation of the CBP1 app, a platform that allowed migrants to apply for asylum remotely, further tightening immigration controls.

3. The US-Colombia Trade War and Economic Implications

Trump’s declarations extended beyond border policies to economic measures. He imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian exports, including crude petroleum, coffee, and cut flowers, amounting to approximately $6 billion, $1.8 billion, and $1.6 billion respectively.

"He slapped a 25% tariff on products from Colombia, which include about $6 billion of crude petroleum, $1.8 billion of coffee, and $1.6 billion of cut flowers." (00:07)

In retaliation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened to impose tariffs on US products. This trade tension threatened vital sectors, particularly as Colombia imports a significant portion of its corn from the US.

"In 2023, the US exported more than 4 million metric tons of corn to Colombia, which translated to $1.14 billion in sales." (00:07)

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers, led by Senator Todd Young, expressed concerns over the potential loss of this crucial export market, especially with Mexico already facing similar threats.

"American farmers cannot afford to lose such a vital export market, the lawmakers wrote." (00:07)

Despite initial threats, by the next morning, an economic stabilization seemed evident, though visa restrictions persisted.

4. Regional Migration Pact and Its Outcomes

Heather delves into the regional response to migration pressures exacerbated by wars, climate change, and economic downturns. In September 2021, a surge of 15,000 Haitian migrants arrived at the US-Mexico border, catalyzing a hemispheric approach to migration management.

After nine months of negotiations, 21 countries established a new migration pact, aiming to provide economic support, expand formal immigration pathways, and enhance border security.

"By June 10, when the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and protection was announced, 21 nations had signed on." (05:45)

Canada and Mexico were early adopters, followed by Colombia in March 2022. This pact saw significant participation from Caribbean nations, with UN observers endorsing the initiative.

Heather highlights the tangible outcomes of this agreement, including reduced border crossings and improved migrant processing mechanisms.

"When Mexico agreed to accept Venezuelans who had crossed into the US unlawfully, and at the same time the US announced a legal pathway for 24,000 Venezuelans, border crossings dropped 90% within a week." (09:20)

Biden's policies further reinforced these measures, resulting in a substantial decrease in border arrests and unauthorized crossings by the end of his term.

5. Geopolitical Repercussions and Shifts in Alliances

The strained relationship between the US and Colombia under Trump poses significant strategic concerns. Colombia has been a pivotal ally in Latin America, collaborating on drug trafficking control and migration management.

"Can’t think of many worse strategic blunders for the US as it competes with China than going nuclear against its oldest strategic ally." — Will Freeman, Council on Foreign Relations (12:30)

With the US imposing tariffs and threatening diplomatic repercussions, Colombia is exploring deeper ties with China, whose ambassador highlighted the flourishing Sino-Colombian relations.

"We are at the best moment of our diplomatic relations between China and Colombia, which are now 45 years old." — Ambassador Luis G. Moreno (13:00)

This pivot threatens to undermine US influence in the region, granting China greater access and strategic advantage in Latin America.

6. Dismantling the US Diplomatic Corps

Amidst these tensions, the Trump administration has initiated the closure of 2,100 courses at the State Department’s premier training facility for Foreign Service officers. Ambassador Luis G. Moreno attributes this to an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

"Dismantling of a professional diplomatic corps is underway." — Ambassador Luis G. Moreno (13:00)

This move signifies a broader retreat from traditional diplomatic training and could have long-term implications on the US’s ability to engage effectively on the global stage.

7. Conclusion: The Fragile State of US-Latin American Relations

Heather concludes by emphasizing the precarious state of US relations with its Latin American allies. The aggressive policies under Trump not only strain economic and diplomatic ties but also open avenues for rival powers like China to strengthen their foothold in the region.

"The administration's handling of the situation with Colombia reveals that their power depends on convincing people to ignore reality and instead to believe in the fantasy world Trump dictates." (13:25)

As Colombia contemplates its strategic partnerships and the US navigates internal and external pressures, the future of hemispheric cooperation remains uncertain.

Notable Quotes:

• Juliette Kayam, National Security Analyst:
  "Trump used a military plane that arrived unannounced." (00:07)

• Katie Tobin, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace:
  "Migrant populations that had settled in South American countries were forced out." (11:10)

• Will Freeman, Council on Foreign Relations:
  "I can't think of many worse strategic blunders for the US as it competes with China than going nuclear against its oldest strategic ally." (12:30)

• Ambassador Luis G. Moreno:
  "Dismantling of a professional diplomatic corps is underway." (13:00)

Heather Cox Richardson's "Letters from an American" offers a meticulous examination of the intricate interplay between domestic policies and international relations, underscoring the long-term consequences of swift administrative decisions.