Dozens of deported Brazilians arrived in Manaus on Saturday in handcuffs, prompting Brazil’s government to condemn the treatment as a “flagrant disregard” for their rights.
The foreign ministry announced plans to demand an explanation from Washington regarding the “degrading treatment” of passengers. This incident comes amid growing concerns across Latin America over US President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which include mass deportations and crackdowns on irregular migration.
Upon the plane’s arrival, Brazilian authorities immediately ordered US officials to remove the handcuffs. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski reported the incident to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, citing a violation of the fundamental rights of Brazilian citizens. The foreign ministry also issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter), demanding accountability for the conditions on the flight, which carried 88 passengers.
Passengers shared harrowing accounts of their experience. Edgar da Silva Moura, a 31-year-old computer technician, described being restrained for hours without water or access to the bathroom, while 21-year-old freelancer Luis Antonio Rodrigues Santos called the journey a “nightmare,” noting that a lack of air conditioning caused some passengers to faint.
The flight, initially bound for Belo Horizonte, was diverted to Manaus due to technical issues. Officials clarified that the deportation flight was linked to a 2017 bilateral agreement and not directly tied to Trump’s recent executive orders. However, the use of restraints and reports of inhumane conditions have sparked outrage.
Televised footage of passengers descending from the aircraft in shackles has further fueled criticism. In response, President Lula instructed the Brazilian Air Force to transport the deportees to their final destinations, ensuring their dignity and safety.
The United States, meanwhile, continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of migrants, as deportation flights to countries like Guatemala have also drawn backlash. While US officials claim that the deportees carried necessary documents and agreed to return home, the incident underscores ongoing tensions over migration policies and the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants living in the US.
