The Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced that it will demand clarification from the US government following reports of degrading treatment of Brazilian migrants during a deportation flight. The flight, which departed from the US last Friday, landed in Brazil with 88 Brazilian passengers, some in handcuffs. Passengers reported instances of "abuse" during the flight.
The aircraft, which also carried 16 US security agents and eight crew members, was scheduled to arrive in Belo Horizonte in southeastern Brazil. However, due to technical issues, it was forced to make an unplanned stop in Manaus, capital of Amazonas. In Manaus, Brazilian officials ordered the removal of passengers' handcuffs, and in response, a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) flight was arranged to complete their journey.
In a statement issued by the Brazilian government, shock was expressed at the treatment of passengers. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized the American conduct and directed immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This was the second deportation flight from the US to Brazil this year, but the first since US President Donald Trump took office. The move comes amid stricter immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration since the beginning of his term.
So far, official sources in the American administration, including the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have not officially responded to the reports or criticism from Brazil.
The incident has sparked outrage among government officials and civilians in Brazil. The Foreign Ministry called the treatment of migrants "inhumane and degrading" and emphasized its commitment to protecting Brazilian citizens, even when they are outside the country's borders.
Human rights groups in Brazil are demanding an international investigation into US treatment of undocumented migrants. Within the US, calls from liberals for a change in immigration policy are growing, especially in light of international criticism.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is proving to Americans that he is fulfilling the promises he made during his campaign.
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