US revokes visa for Colombian president Gustavo Petro after ‘reckless’ actions in New York

The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The U.S. State Department condemned Petro’s actions as “reckless and incendiary,” citing his public statements urging U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and avoid targeting civilians.

During the protest, Petro also called for the formation of an international army “larger than that of the United States,” remarks which the State Department described as incompatible with diplomatic norms and a potential incitement of violence. Video footage of the event, shared widely on social media, showed Petro addressing the crowd in Spanish, with a translator conveying his message to the assembled demonstrators.

Petro had been in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he delivered a speech criticizing the Trump administration’s recent military actions in the Caribbean. He urged an independent investigation into the strikes, alleging that unarmed civilians had been killed. The demonstration, and his comments during it, quickly drew the ire of U.S. authorities, leading to the unprecedented decision to revoke his visa while he was still abroad.

The Colombian president reportedly departed New York for Bogotá later on Friday, as the diplomatic fallout began to unfold. Observers noted that the incident has intensified tensions between the U.S. and Colombia, particularly over military and foreign policy issues. Analysts suggest that the revocation signals a firm U.S. stance against foreign leaders engaging in activities deemed provocative or hostile on American soil, even during international diplomatic events.

The move has sparked debate over the limits of diplomatic immunity and freedom of expression for foreign dignitaries, highlighting the delicate balance between international engagement and national security considerations. The U.S. government emphasized that Petro’s actions were inconsistent with the expectations of visiting world leaders and posed risks to public safety.

This development marks a rare instance of visa revocation for a sitting head of state, underlining the seriousness with which the U.S. views Petro’s statements and conduct in New York.