The federal government classified as a “rescue operation” the action that removed handcuffs from Brazilians deported from the United States, who arrived in Manaus and were transported to Belo Horizonte by a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) plane.
Reports received by the Lula government indicate mistreatment during the deportation flight, carried out by a North American aircraft. There were fears that an altercation between Brazilians and US officials would generate a diplomatic incident, in addition to concerns that the Trump administration would send another flight to complete the journey from Manaus to Belo Horizonte, which would violate national sovereignty.
Itamaraty says it will need to take measures to avoid similar situations in future repatriations. The Ministry of Justice ordered the removal of handcuffs and the Federal Police carried out the measure, emphasizing the disrespect for citizens’ rights.
Lula authorized the sending of a FAB aircraft to ensure that the deportees completed their journey with dignity and safety, with health support along the way.
The episode occurred amid the mass deportation operation promoted by the Trump administration, which detained and deported hundreds of illegal immigrants, one of the largest deportation actions in US history.
