The U.S. State Department annulled the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro last year following his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Manhattan. This decision affected his planned meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
A meeting set for this week between President Petro and Mayor Mamdani was canceled. U.S. diplomats warned that such a meeting might breach the visa terms under which Petro entered the United States, according to officials from both countries.
The State Department had previously canceled Petro’s visa due to his participation in a September rally where he protested U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. He also urged U.S. soldiers to disregard orders from the President of the United States.
Normally, international heads of state receive visas that permit free entry into the United States. However, Petro’s visa was revoked after the rally and subsequent calls to U.S. soldiers at the event.
In a statement, the State Department highlighted, “A visa is a privilege, not a right. Any individual’s U.S. visa is at risk of revocation if they visit America and urge U.S. soldiers to defy orders from the duly elected president.”
Despite attempts by the Trump administration to reconcile differences, tensions with President Petro, known for his leftist stance, have persisted.
The New York City Mayor’s Office has yet to comment on the cancellation of the meeting.