Brazilian authorities have voiced strong opposition to the treatment of their citizens deported from the United States after a group of deportees arrived in Brazil handcuffed. The incident occurred during a flight carrying undocumented Brazilian migrants, which made an unscheduled stop in Manaus due to technical difficulties.
Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski condemned the use of handcuffs, labeling it “blatant disrespect” towards the rights of Brazilian citizens. Acting on his orders, federal police intervened, ensuring the deportees were freed from their restraints before continuing their journey.
The flight, initially destined for Belo Horizonte, was carrying 88 Brazilian passengers, 16 U.S. security agents, and eight crew members. After the intervention in Manaus, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arranged for a Brazilian Air Force plane to transport the passengers to their final destination. In a statement, the Justice Ministry emphasized the government’s commitment to treating its citizens with “dignity and safety.”
This is the second deportation flight from the U.S. to Brazil this year, reflecting the broader immigration crackdown under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump had pledged to escalate deportations of undocumented migrants, a policy that has drawn widespread criticism.
The use of restraints during deportation flights has been a contentious issue in Brazil. Even Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president and Trump ally, previously opposed the practice. The Brazilian government’s swift response to this recent incident highlights its determination to stand up for the rights of its citizens.
While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have yet to comment on the matter, the incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding deportation practices. It also raises questions about how nations should handle the humane treatment of deportees.
As immigration policies grow stricter worldwide, Brazil’s strong reaction serves as a reminder that dignity and respect should remain central in international relations.
