Brazil denounces humiliating treatment on repatriation flight from the USA

• Use of Handcuffs on Deported Individuals Sparks Outrage
• Brazil Halts Flight Over Inadequate Conditions
• Lula da Silva Orders Support for Migrants

The Brazilian government expressed outrage over what it described as «humiliating» treatment of Brazilian citizens deported from the United States.

Authorities stated that 88 migrants were handcuffed by their hands and feet during a repatriation flight.

This flight was operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

And it allegedly violated the bilateral agreement between the two nations.

BRAZIL CONDEMNS «HUMILIATING» TREATMENT OF DEPORTEES

The flight, bound for Belo Horizonte, was forced to land in Manaus due to a «technical error.»

Upon inspecting the aircraft, the Brazilian Federal Police found the Brazilian deportees still handcuffed.

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The passengers were immediately freed following protocols for safety and dignity as outlined by Brazilian law.

Authorities also noted several irregularities on the aircraft, including a malfunctioning air conditioning system and improper use of handcuffs and chains.

Inadequate Conditions and Government Response

Brazil’s government complained about «inhumane» treatment of dozens of migrants deported from the United States to the city of Manaus. pic.twitter.com/gi2Zeczxd9

– RCN Radio (@rcnradio) January 26, 2025

In response, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused to authorize the aircraft to continue to Belo Horizonte.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was informed of the situation.

He ordered the Brazilian Air Force to transport the migrants from Manaus to their final destination on Saturday, CNN reported.

On social media, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring dignified and humane treatment for Brazilian deportees.

«We Still Had the Handcuffs On»

Food, care, and dignity to welcome Brazilians deported from the United States. As determined by President Lula, they flew from Manaus to Minas Gerais on an Air Force flight.
Our country welcomes you with open arms.
Audiovisual/PR pic.twitter.com/einvwkc8qf

– Governo do Brazil (@govbr) January 26, 2025

One of the Brazilian deportees shared in a government-released video:

«We were handcuffed on Wednesday night, and when we arrived in Brazil, we still had the handcuffs on.»

«We told them we were already on Brazilian territory and asked them to remove them, but they refused.»

The tightening of U.S. immigration policies under recent administrations has heightened tensions between the two countries.

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