Brazil to demand explanations from the U.S. over degrading treatment of deported Brazilians

247 - The Brazilian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that it will demand explanations from the United States regarding what it described as the “degrading treatment” of Brazilians deported by the administration of Donald Trump. According to information reported by the website Metrópoles, the citizens arrived in Brazil handcuffed and shackled on the first deportation flight conducted by the U.S. under the new administration.

The aircraft, which carried 158 passengers of various nationalities, including 88 Brazilians, was initially scheduled to land at Confins International Airport in Belo Horizonte. However, due to technical issues, the plane was forced to land at Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus for refueling. Further technical problems prevented the continuation of the journey, and, under orders from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) transported the deportees to Minas Gerais.

The episode has sparked indignation from the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Justice, which considered the situation a “blatant violation of the fundamental rights of Brazilian citizens.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) also expressed concern about reports of degrading conditions during the flight and upon arrival.

On Saturday, January 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira traveled to Manaus to meet with local authorities, including the Federal Police delegate for Amazonas and the commander of the 7th Regional Air Command, to gather detailed information about the case. “We are working to ensure that the rights of Brazilian citizens are respected under all circumstances, especially in sensitive situations like this,” Vieira stated during an official address.

According to Itamaraty, the information gathered at the meeting will serve as the basis for a formal communication to the U.S. government. The goal is to demand explanations regarding the conditions under which the Brazilians were deported and to seek measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case has sparked widespread attention, highlighting diplomatic tensions between the two countries over migration policies. For the Brazilian government, images of citizens being transported in handcuffs are incompatible with international standards of respect for human rights. The episode has also reignited debates on the need for greater dialogue between Brasília and Washington to ensure dignified treatment for Brazilians in foreign territories.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring the case and emphasized that the protection of Brazilian citizens, particularly in vulnerable situations, remains a priority in its diplomatic efforts.