Trump, publicly and forcefully, pressured the Colombian government, under threat of tariffs and sanctions, into helping the U.S. enforce our immigration laws. And it worked.
In his first days back in the Oval Office, Trump signed more than 200 executive orders and proclamations on everything from immigration and border security to gender and diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Sunday, the president of Colombia found himself in the political crossfire of one of those decisions. It didn’t end well for him.
But it paid off well for the American people.
One of Trump’s initial orders involved deporting migrants who entered the United States illegally to their home countries as part of the new administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws.
When the Colombian government refused to accept two U.S. flights carrying deported migrants, Trump threatened the South American country with 25% tariffs on imports into the United States.
But by Sunday night, the White House announced that the Colombian government had agreed to Trump’s terms − the “unrestricted acceptance” of U.S. military flights deporting Colombian migrants back to their home country.
The dispute shows one of the many ways Trump is asserting leadership. It also shows what can happen now that we finally have a president who is willing to play hardball.
Trump, publicly and forcefully, pressured the Colombian government, under threat of tariffs and sanctions, into helping the United States enforce our immigration laws.
It was a risky but impressive move. And it worked.
Trump takes risks but also shows leadership
When I watched the inauguration last week, I was amused by Trump’s demeanor. He strutted around with a lot of confidence and a full measure of ego. Maybe anyone would as leader of the free world. But in typical Trump style, he was a bit extra.
That is his natural demeanor, for better and for worse.
In terms of diplomacy, a president who is willing to push back on another country for refusing to accept the return of their own citizens is both impressive and unnerving.
What would have happened if Colombian leaders had said, “Turn your planes back or watch your coffee prices soar even more than they already have”?
Trump took that risk not only to enforce his immigration policies but also to show the world that he will operate very differently than the Biden administration.
That approach may seem dicey, but for conservatives, it’s refreshing to see a president show strong leadership. Finally, we have a leader who demands respect for our nation and its laws.
Trump makes good on promises to enforce immigration laws
It’s important to be clear: These deportations would not be necessary if Biden had better enforced immigration laws.
In 2021, Biden lifted several policies implemented in Trump’s first term that were effective in reducing illegal immigration. As a result, migrants poured across the border illegally, setting a record for the number of Border Patrol encounters in December 2023. The tide of people overwhelmed resources not only at the border but in cities and states nationwide.
In Texas, the state spent so much of its resources securing the border, Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the federal government for a reimbursement of $11.1 billion.
I’m glad Trump takes seriously the federal government’s role in enforcing immigration laws. He already has declared a national emergency and deployed 1,500 troops to patrol the border. On Sunday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials made about 1,200 arrests in one day in Chicago, according to NBC News.
I suspect that the 77.3 million Americans who voted for Trump are glad to see we have a president who will put America first − even if it means playing a little hardball.
