The Brazilian government has announced plans to establish a reception center for deported migrants following concerns over the treatment of Brazilians on a recent deportation flight from the United States. The decision comes after reports that deportees faced harsh conditions, including being handcuffed during an emergency stop in Manaus.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approved the creation of a humanitarian reception center in Confins, Minas Gerais state. Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Macaé Evaristo, confirmed the move, citing the likelihood of more deportation flights under the new Trump administration. The recent flight, carrying 88 deportees, was the first under Trump’s leadership but followed multiple deportations during the Biden administration.
Local reports revealed that Brazilian officials were troubled by the use of handcuffs on deportees, particularly after the plane made an unscheduled stop due to technical issues. A Brazilian military aircraft later transported the deportees to Belo Horizonte. The Foreign Ministry has since demanded explanations from the U.S. regarding the reported “degrading treatment,” which included the use of restraints and poor aircraft conditions, such as a malfunctioning air conditioning system.
The U.S. Embassy declined to comment, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not responded to inquiries. It remains unclear whether the deportees were detained under President Trump or former President Biden.
Over the past three years, nearly four dozen deportation flights have arrived in Brazil. While the government has no plans to halt these flights, it has engaged in discussions with U.S. officials to ensure better treatment for deported nationals. According to an anonymous government source, Brazil permits the use of handcuffs only in exceptional cases, with a proper risk assessment.
Authorities are now investigating the extent of the reported mistreatment. Some deportees stated that the plane’s air conditioning system failed, causing extreme heat, and that they exited through an emergency door upon landing in Manaus.
The new humanitarian center aims to provide deportees with essential resources such as food, water, and a comfortable environment. Minister Evaristo emphasized that temperature control was a key concern after the recent flight experience. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski also stressed the importance of ensuring dignity for deported Brazilians, stating, “We don’t want to provoke the American government, but it’s essential that deported Brazilians are treated with dignity.”