A video showing deportees arriving in Manaus(Brazil) from the United States, including 88 Brazilians, sparked outrage on Friday night (24th). According to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), the individuals were handcuffed and shackled, a scene that drew condemnation from the Brazilian government. The flight, which was initially bound for Belo Horizonte, was forced to make an unexpected stop in the Amazonian capital due to operational issues.
Details of the Incident
The video captured passengers walking on the tarmac in visible distress, restricted by ankle chains and handcuffs. Later, they were seen lying on mattresses in a waiting room, eating meals provided by authorities.
On Saturday (25th), the Brazilian government strongly criticized the treatment as a violation of fundamental rights. Federal Police officers in Manaus ordered the immediate removal of restraints and provided assistance to the deportees. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva subsequently dispatched a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) plane to transport them to Belo Horizonte.
According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the FAB plane departed Brasília and arrived in Manaus at 2:21 PM local time. While on the ground at Eduardo Gomes International Airport, deportees were given food, water, mattresses, and access to showers.
Deportees Speak Out
Tensions escalated further as Brazilian deportees arriving in Belo Horizonte’s Confins Airport on Saturday, January 25, accused U.S. agents of physical aggression during the flight.
Carlos Vinícius Jesus, 29, who was detained for eight months after attempting to enter the U.S. via Mexico, alleged mistreatment by agents. “They wanted to kill us,” he told reporters. “We rebelled because otherwise, the plane could have crashed.”
Sandra Souza, 36, described the flight as a “hellish” experience. “It was torture. From the moment we left Louisiana, it was clear the plane had problems, but they forced the flight anyway,” she said.
Photos presented by deportees showed injuries to their hands, arms, chest, and back, support the claims of abuse.
Diplomatic Reaction
Itamaraty confirmed it would lodge a formal complaint with the U.S. government over the degrading treatment. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira met with local authorities in Manaus, including Federal Police and military representatives, to gather information.
A statement released on social media highlighted that the Brazilian government believes the incident violated agreements between the two countries. Vieira’s meeting was described as instrumental in preparing Brazil’s demand for an explanation from the United States.
Calls for Stricter Deportation Guidelines
Some members of the Brazilian government suggested halting future deportation flights if minimum humanitarian standards are not guaranteed. Proposed measures include ensuring the presence of Brazilian consular officials during deportations and prohibiting the use of restraints.
The incident comes amidst growing global criticism of the U.S.’s deportation practices. On the same day, the Mexican government refused to allow an American deportation flight, further fueling diplomatic scrutiny.
Balancing Diplomacy and Human Rights
While the Brazilian government seeks to avoid escalating tensions with the U.S., officials emphasized the importance of protecting the dignity of deported citizens. The 2017 deportation agreement between the two countries, aimed at preventing prolonged detentions, remains a critical diplomatic tool.
However, the Lula administration faces challenges in addressing the situation without triggering a broader diplomatic dispute. As talks with U.S. officials continue, Brazil is determined to uphold its citizens’ rights while maintaining productive bilateral relations.
