U.S. imposes sweeping sanctions on Colombia after repatriation flights full of deported criminals refused

January 26, 2025
President Donald J. Trump
New York woman arrested for alleged threats against President after social media outburst Washington, DC – Monday — A New York woman is in federal custody after allegedly traveling to Washington, D.C., and making online threats against the President of the United States, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro. The woman, identified as Nathalie Rose Jones, is facing two federal charges related to knowingly and willfully threatening the life of the President. Prosecutors say Jones posted threats on Facebook and Instagram, calling the President a terrorist and expressing intent to have him "eliminated." In a video statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pirro confirmed that Jones had traveled from New York to the capital, where her threats allegedly intensified. She is now in federal custody and is expected to be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.” “Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes,” Pirro said. “Make no mistake—justice will be served.” Officials credited the U.S. Secret Service, with special agents from both New York and Washington, D.C., working together to identify and apprehend the suspect before any violence occurred. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the timing or exact nature of the threats. The arrest marks a rare but serious case of a citizen crossing state lines and allegedly issuing credible threats against the nation’s highest elected office, triggering an immediate response from federal law enforcement. Jones is expected to appear before a federal magistrate judge in Washington, D.C., where she will be formally charged and face detention proceedings. Key Points Nathalie Rose Jones was arrested after allegedly threatening the President on Facebook and Instagram. She traveled from New York to Washington, D.C., where she was taken into custody by federal agents. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro vowed full prosecution and praised the Secret Service for their swift action. A New York woman is behind bars after allegedly threatening the President in a chilling online campaign.

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald J. Trump has announced a series of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Colombia after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two repatriation flights carrying individuals labeled as “illegal criminals” to land in the country. The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.

Citing national security concerns, U.S. officials declared an immediate 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the country, with plans to increase the tariffs to 50% within a week. Additional measures include travel bans, visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their allies, and sanctions targeting members of Petro’s party, their families, and supporters.

Enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections for Colombian nationals and cargo were also ordered, alongside financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These measures, according to the administration, are aimed at pressuring Colombia to comply with its legal obligations to accept the return of its nationals.

“This order jeopardizes U.S. national security and public safety,” Trump said on Truth Social. “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its responsibilities regarding the acceptance and return of the criminals they forced into the United States.”

President Petro, a socialist leader facing mounting domestic disapproval, has yet to publicly address the U.S. sanctions or the rationale behind his decision to deny the repatriation flights. Analysts expect the sanctions to impact Colombia’s economy and its relationship with the United States, a key trade partner.