The Brazilian government has strongly criticized the United States after dozens of deported Brazilian nationals arrived in the country in handcuffs, calling the act a “flagrant disregard” for their rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday that it would demand an explanation from Washington over what it described as the “degrading treatment” of the deportees. The flight, carrying 88 Brazilians, landed in Manaus instead of its intended destination, Belo Horizonte, due to technical difficulties.
Upon arrival, Brazilian authorities ordered US officials to immediately remove the restraints. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski informed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the incident, emphasizing concerns over the fundamental rights of Brazilian citizens.
Passengers described harsh conditions during the journey. Edgar da Silva Moura, a 31-year-old computer technician, said they were denied water and restroom access, and some passengers fainted due to extreme heat. Another passenger, Luis Antonio Rodrigues Santos, recounted that individuals with respiratory issues suffered through four hours without air conditioning.
Brazil’s Human Rights Minister, Macaé Evaristo, revealed that children, including those with autism, were also among the deportees. Brazilian television footage showed some passengers exiting the plane with their hands and feet shackled.
President Lula has since mobilized a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft to transport the affected citizens to their final destinations with dignity and safety.
The deportation stems from a 2017 bilateral agreement rather than any new executive orders from US President Donald Trump, who recently returned to office with a tough stance on immigration. However, Trump has already declared a “national emergency” at the US-Mexico border, increased military deployments, and ramped up deportations.
The US Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 11 million undocumented migrants reside in the United States. Meanwhile, deportation flights continue, with 265 migrants sent to Guatemala on Friday alone.
