U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Noem Visits Colombia for Immigration Talks
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Colombia to discuss immigration and crime amid strained U.S.-Colombian relations. Meetings with Colombian officials, including President Gustavo Petro, aim to address organized crime. This visit follows her discussions in El Salvador about gang-related issues, and she will also meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding tariff negotiations.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Colombia on Thursday as part of a Latin American tour focused on immigration, crime, and deportation issues. This visit occurs amidst deteriorating relations between the Trump administration and the Colombian government, historically a close ally of the United States. Tensions have escalated since January over the repatriation of immigrants deported from the U.S.
During her visit, Secretary Noem engaged in discussions with Colombia’s Foreign Minister and is scheduled to meet with President Gustavo Petro and local police. The meetings aim to address organized crime, a pressing concern for both nations amidst divergent perspectives on governance and anti-crime strategies.
Noem’s engagements contrast with her previous stop in El Salvador, where she met President Nayib Bukele, admired for his stringent measures against gangs. In El Salvador, she toured a prison housing deported Venezuelans accused of gang affiliation, positioning it as a significant topic within her meetings.
On Friday, she is expected to continue her journey to Mexico for discussions with President Claudia Sheinbaum to alleviate tariff threats posed by the Trump administration. Despite active negotiations, Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports, casting uncertainty over the outcomes of these consultations.
Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Colombia underscores the complex dynamics of U.S.-Latin American relations regarding immigration and crime. Her discussions with Colombian officials, juxtaposed with her engagements in El Salvador, reflect the divergent strategies adopted by various leaders. The impending talks in Mexico further highlight the ongoing negotiations amid tariff threats, shaping the regional discourse on security and immigration.
Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com
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