A Journey of Confusion and Fear: The Plight of Colombian Migrants
The story of Daniel Oquendo, a 33-year-old Colombian migrant, sheds light on the harrowing experience of those caught in the midst of a bitter diplomatic standoff between the United States and Colombia. Oquendo vividly recalls the chilling words of US border agents upon his crossing into the US on January 20: “Do you know who the next president is? The fun is over for you here, the music has changed … you’ve got to go back.” These words marked the beginning of a chaotic and uncertain journey for Oquendo, who, along with approximately 200 other Colombian migrants, found himself at the center of a political storm. Just eight days later, Oquendo was back in Colombia, deported after a tense diplomatic dispute between US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The deportation process was anything but straightforward. Oquendo described the confusion and disorientation he and other migrants experienced when they were taken from their cells in San Diego and boarded a C-130 military plane. They were initially told the flight to Bogota would take seven hours, but the journey lasted ten hours. Instead of landing in Bogota, the plane touched down in Houston, leaving the migrants even more bewildered. “We were back in the United States, and still, nobody would tell us anything,” Oquendo recounted. This uncertain limbo was a result of a diplomatic spat that had unfolded behind the scenes.
A Diplomatic Showdown: Colombia and the US at Odds
The root of the diplomatic tension lay in President Petro’s decision to block the landing of two US military flights carrying Colombian deportees. This bold move by Petro was a direct response to what he perceived as undignified treatment of migrants by US authorities. The situation escalated into a series of threats, including potential tariff wars, before Colombia ultimately relented.
After the initial flight to Houston, Oquendo and the other migrants were taken to El Paso, where they spent the night. The following day, Colombian consulate officials arrived to interview them, providing some clarity and support. However, their reprieve was short-lived. On Tuesday, Oquendo and the others were finally repatriated to Colombia on a flight arranged by the Colombian government, which emphasized that the migrants deserved a more dignified and respectful deportation process.
For Petro, the issue was deeply personal and symbolic. He argued that migrants should not be treated as criminals and deserve to be repatriated with dignity. “A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity every human being is worthy of,” Petro wrote in a statement. “We will welcome back our fellow countrymen on civilian planes, without a criminal’s treatment.” While Petro’s stance was rooted in principle, the migrants themselves had mixed reactions to the ordeal.
Mixed Reactions: Migrants Caught in the Crossfire
Daniel Oquendo expressed frustration at what he perceived as an unnecessary spectacle. “That was just an unnecessary media circus. The president wanted to make a case out of us and … what for? In the end, he had to accept the deportations. It was all for nothing,” he told CNN. For Oquendo, the back-and-forth was a wasted effort that only added to the migrants’ confusion and discomfort.
However, not all deportees shared Oquendo’s perspective. Andrei Barrientos, a 36-year-old Colombian who was also deported, described his experience as surprisingly positive after days of uncertainty. Barrientos noted that Colombian officials treated them kindly, with smiles and welcomes as they boarded the flight to Bogota. “One must thank the president for the nice treatment they gave us,” he said. Barrientos, like Oquendo, only learned of the diplomatic standoff upon landing in Bogota, where journalists swarmed to hear their stories.
Despite these differing opinions, both men agreed on one thing: the treatment by US immigration officials was demeaning. Oquendo recalled being handcuffed and herded onto the military plane like a criminal, along with families and children. Barrientos echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that he had committed no crime other than crossing the border illegally to support his family. “They treated me like I was a gangster,” he said.
The Economic Reality: Why Migrants Keep Coming
For many migrants, the decision to leave Colombia is driven by dire economic circumstances. Oquendo, who crossed the border in Tijuana and was apprehended in San Diego, explained that his family had pooled their resources to help him make the journey. “My whole family chipped in to help me, I can’t let them down,” he said. However, upon his return to Bogota, Oquendo found himself faced with the same economic challenges that had driven him to leave in the first place. “Right now I’m here in Bogota and I have a place to stay, but there are no jobs here. I have to keep going somewhere.”
Barrientos, on the other hand, has decided not to attempt the journey again. He plans to seek opportunities in his hometown of Medellin, hoping to rebuild his life. Yet, his story highlights the broader issue of economic hardship that pushes many Colombians to risk the dangerous and uncertain path of illegal migration.
Conclusion: Dignity in Deportation?
The standoff between the US and Colombia over the deportation of migrants has brought into sharp focus the complex and deeply human issues at play in immigration debates. While the diplomatic drama unfolded, migrants like Oquendo and Barrientos found themselves caught in a political storm, treated as pawns in a game of national pride and principle.
President Petro’s insistence on repatriating migrants with dignity reflects a broader recognition of the humanity of those who cross borders in search of a better life. However, the reality of deportation remains fraught with confusion, fear, and indignity. As long as economic desperation drives migration, stories like those of Oquendo and Barrientos will continue to emerge, reminding us of the need for compassion and solutions that address the root causes of this global crisis.
Final Thoughts: Beyond Borders and Politics
The experiences of these Colombian migrants underscore the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their immigration status. While political leaders may use migration as a tool for diplomacy or rhetoric, the real impact is felt by ordinary people like Oquendo and Barrientos, who are simply trying to survive and provide for their families.
As the world grapples with migration challenges, the story of these deportees serves as a reminder of the human cost of political posturing and the urgent need for solutions that prioritize people over politics. Whether migrants remain in their adopted countries or return to their homelands, their dignity and humanity deserve to be upheld at every step of the journey.
