RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The Brazilian government announced plans to establish a reception center for deported migrants from the United States in response to concerns raised over the conditions of a recent deportation flight. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approved the creation of a humanitarian reception post in Confins, Minas Gerais state, as confirmed by Brazil’s Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship.
The decision to set up the reception center was prompted by the potential for additional deportation flights following the arrival of a flight carrying 88 deportees under the new Trump administration. Reports indicated that Brazilian nationals on the flight were kept handcuffed after an unscheduled stop in Manaus due to technical issues with the aircraft. They were later transported to Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais by a Brazilian military plane.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry expressed concerns over the treatment of the deportees, citing the use of restraints, poor aircraft conditions, and other issues. The U.S. Embassy and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency did not provide immediate comments on the matter.
It remains unclear whether the deportations occurred during the Trump or Biden administrations. Over the past three years, nearly four dozen deportation flights from the U.S. to Brazil have taken place. Brazilian authorities have allowed the use of restraints in exceptional cases, with a focus on evaluating the risk involved.
Efforts are underway to investigate the number of individuals who were handcuffed during the recent flight. Passengers reported problems with the aircraft's air conditioning, leading to discomfort in the cabin and an emergency exit upon landing in Manaus.
In response to the incident, plans for the humanitarian reception center aim to provide deported Brazilians with adequate conditions for water, food, and temperature control. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski emphasized the importance of treating deported individuals with dignity while maintaining diplomatic relations with the U.S.
