Brazil’s government has strongly criticized the United States President, Donald Trump after dozens of Brazilian immigrants were deported in handcuffs.
In a statement on Saturday, the Brazilian government accused the U.S. of showing a “flagrant disregard” for the fundamental rights of its citizens. Officials vowed to demand an explanation from U.S. authorities.
This controversy arises amid Trump’s enforcement of stricter immigration policies, including mass deportations under a 2017 bilateral agreement between the two nations. Recent flights carrying deported immigrants have reportedly landed in countries such as Guatemala and Brazil.
According to Brazil’s justice ministry, when a plane carrying 88 Brazilian citizens arrived in the northern city of Manaus, U.S. officials were ordered to “immediately remove the handcuffs” from the passengers.
The justice ministry further noted that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva promptly mobilized a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft to transport the deportees to their final destinations.
“Upon learning of the situation, President Lula ordered that a Brazilian Air Force aircraft be mobilized to ensure the deportees could complete their journey with dignity and safety,” the statement read.
According to AFP, the foreign ministry also pledged to seek explanations from the U.S. government regarding the “degrading treatment” of the deportees. Passengers reported being restrained with their hands and feet tied and not being provided water during the flight, with some fainting due to the heat.
While the deportation flight coincides with Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, officials clarified that it was conducted under the 2017 agreement between the two countries. A Brazilian government source told AFP that the deportees traveled with valid documents, indicating they had agreed to return.
This incident has further strained relations between the two nations, with Brazil emphasizing the need for humane treatment of its citizens during deportation processes.
