BOGOTÁ (AP) — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Colombia on Thursday as part of a tour of three Latin American nations to discuss immigration, crime and deportation.
Her trip comes amid a souring in relations between the Trump administration and the Colombian government – long the United States' closest ally in the region. Tensions between the two countries rose in January over accepting flights of immigrants deported from the U.S.
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An aide holds an umbrella over Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a light drizzle, as she departs National Police headquarters after meeting with the Counter Organized Crime Group, in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, meets with the National Police's Counter Organized Crime Group at the Colombian National Police Directorate in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem greets officers as she arrives for a meeting with the National Police's Counter Organized Crime Group at the Colombian National Police Directorate in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
An aide holds an umbrella over Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a light drizzle, as she departs National Police headquarters after meeting with the Counter Organized Crime Group, in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at table on right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia sign a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia speak as they sign a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, meets with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at right podium, gives a joint news conference with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia after signing a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia shake hands after signing a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem takes questions from the press before boarding her plane at Comalapa International Airport in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Noem sat down Thursday morning with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, and said they had a “frank discussion and a candid discussion” about deportations, crime and immigration.
“We're committed to working hand-in-hand with our Colombian partners to enhance not only border security but also that we will support the enforcement of our criminal laws,” Noem said.
Sarabia emphasized the importance of recognizing the “human rights and dignity of migrants are actually respected.”
The officials also signed an agreement that would expand the sharing of biometric data for law enforcement.
Later in the day, Noem met with police and Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro. The leaders discussed security, drug trafficking and repatriation of Colombians, according to Colombia's presidential office, though few further details were shared about the meeting.
Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump, both populists, share diametrically opposed views over key issues like combating crime and the American government’s role in Latin America.
The visit marks a contrast to Noem's Wednesday visit to El Salvador, where she met with President Nayib Bukele, a populist who has gained right-wing admiration in the U.S. due to his crackdown on gangs.
Noem also visited the country's massive prison complex for alleged gang members, where hundreds of Venezuelans deported by the U.S. government are being held under allegations that they were members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, despite little evidence presented by the Trump administration. These deportations are being challenged in court.
On Friday, Noem is set to visit Mexico and meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum as her government has worked tirelessly to negotiate with the Trump administration to offset the Trump's tariff threats. Despite efforts by Sheinbaum, Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports on Wednesday.
An aide holds an umbrella over Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a light drizzle, as she departs National Police headquarters after meeting with the Counter Organized Crime Group, in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, meets with the National Police's Counter Organized Crime Group at the Colombian National Police Directorate in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem greets officers as she arrives for a meeting with the National Police's Counter Organized Crime Group at the Colombian National Police Directorate in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
An aide holds an umbrella over Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a light drizzle, as she departs National Police headquarters after meeting with the Counter Organized Crime Group, in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at table on right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia sign a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia speak as they sign a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, meets with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at right podium, gives a joint news conference with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia after signing a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, right, and Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia shake hands after signing a Biometric Data Sharing Program Letter of Intent in Bogota, Columbia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem takes questions from the press before boarding her plane at Comalapa International Airport in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The usual festive mood of Eid al-Fitr holiday to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan has been subdued in Indonesia this year as people grapple with soaring prices for food, clothing and essential goods.
Consumer spending ahead of the biggest religious holiday for Muslims, which was celebrated on Sunday in Indonesia, has declined compared to the previous year, with a predicted slowdown in cash circulation due to fewer travelers.
Each year in Indonesia, nearly three-quarters of the population of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country travel for the annual homecoming known locally as “mudik” that is always welcomed with excitement.
People pour out of major cities to return to villages to celebrate the holiday with prayers, feasts and family gatherings. Flights are overbooked and anxious relatives weighed down with boxes of gifts form long lines at bus and train stations for the journey
But this year the Transportation Ministry said Eid travelers reached 146 million people, a 24% drop from last year’s 194 million travelers.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry projects that money circulation during Eid will reach 137.97 trillion rupiah ($8.33 billion), down from 157.3 trillion last year. The weakening purchasing power is also reflected in Bank Indonesia’s Consumer Confidence Index which dipped to 126.4 in February from 127.2 in January.
Bhima Yudistira, executive director of the Center for Economic and Law Studies, or Celios, said those trends indicate the economy is under strain, driven by economic hardship, coupled with currency depreciation and mass layoffs in manufacturing.
“These have weakened both corporate earnings and workers’ incomes that suppress consumer spending,” Yudistira said, adding he “expects a less vibrant festive season.”
He said the festive spirit has been stifled by harsh economic realities, as soaring prices and dwindling incomes force residents to prioritize survival over celebration.
Traditionally household consumption is a key driver of Indonesia’s GDP. It contributed over 50% to the economy last year, helping push annual growth to 5.11%. However, consumer spending in 2025 is expected to be more subdued, Yudistira said.
Despite the downturn, the government remains optimistic that the Ramadan and Eid momentum will support economic growth in the first quarter of 2025.
“Eid usually boosts the economy through increased spending,” Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said ahead of the Islamic holiday.
The government recently introduced incentives to stimulate economic activity, including airfare and toll road fee discounts, nationwide online shopping events, direct cash assistance for 16 million households, electricity bill reductions for low-consumption customers, and tax exemptions for labor-intensive sectors.
“With these programs in place, the government hopes to sustain consumer spending and support economic stability,” Hartarto said.
The situation has also affected Endang Trisilowati, a mother of four, who said her family had to scale down their festivities budget.
“Honestly, the economic hardship is affecting us,” Trisilowati said. She described how she used to cook different dishes every Eid and invite neighbors, but now she can only afford a simple meal for her family.
“Many have resorted to just finding a way to eat on that festivity, but the spirit is low,” she said.
A person leaves National Mosque after the Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
People attend prayer at National Mosque for the Eid al-Fitr, marking the end the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
A child looks on as people pray at National Mosque for the Eid al-Fitr, marking the end the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Muslims attend a prayer at National Mosque for the Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Children hold torches as a chicken noodle vendor serves customers during a parade celebrating the eve of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Children hold torches as they parade to celebrate the eve of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslim women walk with children at National Mosque after the Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims gather for Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims gather for Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslims gather for Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at a gas station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
A stray cat sits on the sidewalk as Muslim women prepare to perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslims perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslims perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslims gather for Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslims gather for Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Muslim women perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Muslims perform Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
