Colombian President Gustavo Petro has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. He accused Trump of criminalizing entire population groups and compared his approach to fascism.
In a televised interview, Petro discussed the growing diplomatic tensions between Colombia and the United States. He criticized Trump’s hardline stance on migrants, saying it is based on racial discrimination.
“We should not criminalize population groups,” Petro stated. “Trump sees every migrant as a criminal, which is a dangerous generalization.”
Harsh Treatment of Migrants in the US
Petro described the situation for migrants in the US as severe. He claimed that immigration raids in American cities are based on racial profiling rather than legal status.
“Today, there are raids in US cities,” Petro said. “Authorities don’t check documents first. They look at your face. If you fail a racial test at a glance, you are beaten.”
He insisted that this type of discrimination echoes historical patterns of oppression. Petro argued that such policies are rooted in an ideology that seeks to divide people based on race and nationality.
Petro Draws Parallels to Hitler’s Tactics
When asked if he considered Trump a fascist, Petro made a striking historical comparison. He likened Trump’s immigration policies to those of Adolf Hitler in 1933.
“This attitude of criminalizing population groups to gain majority support is exactly what Hitler did,” Petro said. “He targeted Jews and socialists to rally public opinion in his favor.”
Petro’s remarks are some of the strongest criticisms of Trump’s immigration stance by a Latin American leader. His comparison to Nazi-era policies adds to the heated debate over US immigration enforcement.
Rising Tensions Between Colombia and the US
Colombia and the United States have clashed over the treatment of Colombian migrants. Deportations have increased under Trump’s administration, leading to frustration in Bogotá.
Petro has previously condemned the forced removal of migrants, calling the deportation process inhumane. He has even compared migrant detention centers in the US to “concentration camps.”
The dispute over immigration policies has strained relations between the two countries. However, Petro’s government continues to seek diplomatic solutions to protect Colombian nationals abroad.
A Controversial Comparison in a Heated Debate
Petro’s comments have sparked reactions from both supporters and critics. His comparison of Trump’s policies to fascism adds to the global criticism of US immigration enforcement.
Trump’s administration has defended its actions, arguing that strong border policies are necessary for national security. However, Petro and other critics believe these policies violate human rights.
As the debate over immigration intensifies, relations between Colombia and the US remain uncertain. Petro’s outspoken stance signals that tensions may continue to rise in the coming months.
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