January 26, 2025
The Brazilian government has accused the United States of “blatant disrespect” following the deportation of 88 Brazilian migrants who arrived in the country in handcuffs. The Justice Ministry criticized the treatment, calling it a violation of the rights of its citizens.
The deportees landed in Manaus, in northern Brazil, after their flight was diverted from its planned destination of Belo Horizonte due to technical issues. Upon arrival, Brazilian federal police, acting on orders from Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski, demanded the removal of the handcuffs, which was promptly done.
In response to the incident, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arranged for a Brazilian Air Force plane to transport the deportees to their final destination “with dignity and safety.”
This marks the second deportation flight of undocumented Brazilian migrants from the U.S. in 2025 and the first since President Donald Trump was inaugurated earlier this week. The Trump administration has launched a sweeping immigration crackdown, vowing mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
The use of restraints during deportations has sparked outrage in Brazil. Justice officials argued that such practices undermine human rights and damage bilateral relations. They emphasized the importance of treating migrants with respect, regardless of their immigration status.
The Brazilian government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad and called for dialogue with U.S. authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
