Sec. of State Marco Rubio, recalled the US Charge' d'affaires from Bogota, Colombia, John McNamara, in the role there since February 1, 2025. The case involves statements made by Colombian President which have not been disclosed. The Ambassador to the US from Colombia was recalled in retaliation for the US move. Secretary Rubio stated that the official was recalled for consultations regarding statements made in Bogota'.
Given that the embassy in Bogota is already in an uproar over the shut down there of U.S. A.I.D. staff(>300 personnel, the president of Colombia is facing serious political problems in his country. In the northeast of the country, narco -traffickers have encroached on territory formerly under control of F.A.R.C., the rebel group that was to surrender its arms and be folded back into the official government as a member. Things have not gone well despite decades of American support. Travel is now restricted in the northeast state on the Venezuelan border where groups are fighting between each other for control.
Given the condition in the White House, Colombia might soon be placed on the "no Go" list of countries no longer favored by Pres. Trump. This could snowball into problems for all Latin American nations as the new budget bill allots more money for border security, immigration enforcement, and military spending. Immigration across the southern US border has stopped with the fewest crossers in decades as word spreads that there will not be any asylum requests allowed nor will immigrants requesting a hearing be allowed to roam free in the US until their case is heard. I.C.E. has been ordered to deport as many as possible and to exceed 3000 /day. Results indicate that mistakes have been made, but I.C.E. has not changed its tactics.
Is Mexico next? Who knows, information is limited but tariffs have caused great concern among business owners on both sides of the border. Time will tell but the situation is in flux at at this time.
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