Brazil will request explanations from Donald Trump's administration for what it described as “disrespect for the fundamental rights” of 88 undocumented Brazilian migrants deported from the United States who were handcuffed during their journey, according to the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
This incident represents the first episode of tension between the new US president and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had expressed his desire to maintain the “historic relationship” between Washington and Brasília on the day of Trump's inauguration on January 20.
According to the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, a “request for explanations will be presented to the US government regarding the degrading treatment of the passengers on the flight” from the US that landed on Friday night (24) in Manaus, as stated by the on its X account.
An official government statement on Saturday confirmed that 88 Brazilians were on board the aircraft.
The Minister for Human Rights and Citizenship, Macaé Evaristo, informed the press that there were also “children with autism, with some kind of disability, who have been through a very serious situation” on the aircraft.
“We were tied at the wrist, waist, and leg. There was no water; we asked to go to the bathroom, and they wouldn't let us,” said Edgar Da Silva Moura, a 31-year-old IT technician who arrived deported on the flight after seven months in detention in the US, to AFP. “It was very hot, and people fainted,” he added.
Luis Antonio Rodrigues Santos, a 21-year-old self-employed worker, described the “nightmare” of people with “respiratory problems” who spent “four hours without air conditioning” due to technical issues, which also affected “a turbine that wasn't working.” “A lot has already changed [with Trump] (...), immigrants treated like criminals,” he said.
'Disrespect of fundamental rights'
The Ministry of Justice ordered “the immediate removal of the handcuffs” when the plane arrived in the country and condemned what it called a “flagrant disrespect for the fundamental rights” of its citizens.
Brazilian authorities emphasized that human dignity is a non-negotiable value. The flight bound for Belo Horizonte had to land in Manaus due to a technical problem. The passengers, who arrived in handcuffs, were immediately released by the Federal Police in respect of national sovereignty. Mattresses, medical care, and water were provided while the passengers remained at the airport overnight.
President Lula ordered an Air Force plane to transport the deportees to Belo Horizonte. The flight arrived at 9:10 p.m. The Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, informed Lula about the attempt by US authorities to keep Brazilians handcuffed during the deportation flight. Upon learning of the situation, the president mobilized the Brazilian Air Force to ensure the Brazilians were transported to their destination.
Anti-immigration policy
In his first days in office, Trump implemented several measures against undocumented immigrants, including deportations, sending troops to the Mexican border, and arresting 538 people. During his campaign, he described these immigrants as “savages,” “animals,” and “criminals,” promising the biggest deportation campaign in US history. Recently, 265 people were deported to Guatemala. A Brazilian government source said that the deportees who arrived in Manaus were “in agreement” with the return and will be able to “remain free” in Brazil.
Between Sunday (26) and Monday (27), Donald Trump and Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro also had tensions but reached an agreement to deport Colombians from the US after a diplomatic dispute. Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, which initially refused to accept deportation flights with its citizens. After negotiations, Colombia agreed to accept deportees, including those on US military planes, without restrictions. The agreement is seen as a victory for Trump's tough approach to immigration.
*With AFP
Edited by: Dayze Rocha
