Brazil Protests US Treatment of Deported Migrants, Cites ‘Degrading’ Conditions

BRASÍLIA, Brazil — The Brazilian government has condemned the United States for its treatment of 88 Brazilian migrants deported from the U.S. last week, alleging they were subjected to “degrading” conditions, including being kept in handcuffs during their flight and upon arrival in Brazil. The incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.

The migrants, who were aboard a U.S.-chartered flight, were initially bound for Belo Horizonte but were forced to land in Manaus due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. Upon arrival, Brazilian Federal Police (PF) officers discovered the deportees were still restrained, a practice that violates a 2017 bilateral agreement between Brazil and the U.S. The agreement mandates “dignified, respectful, and humane treatment” of repatriated individuals.

“The indiscriminate use of handcuffs and chains violates the terms of the agreement with the U.S., which provides for dignified, respectful, and humane treatment of repatriated individuals,” the Brazilian government stated in an official communiqué. The statement also described the treatment as “unacceptable” and demanded clarification from the White House.

Thiago Souza, a 25-year-old deportee from Pará, recounted the ordeal during an interview with UOL News. “The return to Brazil was worse than the journey to the U.S.,” Souza said. “We suffered a lot inside the aircraft. The heating was terrible, people felt sick, and we had to beg to use the bathroom. It was inhumane.” Souza, who had traveled to the U.S. in December to seek work, was detained in Texas and held in a prison before being deported.

Aloysio Nunes, Brazil’s former foreign minister, emphasized that the 2017 agreement explicitly prohibits the “indiscriminate use of handcuffs and chains” unless justified by serious security concerns. “The agreement also advocates for dignified and respectful treatment of these individuals, which was clearly violated in this case,” Nunes said.

Brazilian authorities have since removed the handcuffs and arranged for the migrants to be transported to Belo Horizonte via a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft. The incident has also highlighted differences in deportation practices between the two countries. While the U.S. frequently charters flights for mass deportations, Brazil typically deports no more than two individuals at a time, using commercial flights.

In 2024, Brazil deported only four foreigners for immigration violations, while 8,799 others were denied entry at airports and border points. An additional 32 foreigners were expelled for committing serious crimes in Brazil, a process that usually occurs after they serve their sentences.

The Brazilian government has vowed to seek further explanations from the U.S. regarding the treatment of its citizens, underscoring the importance of upholding international agreements and human rights standards.