FAB flight bringing 88 Brazilian nationals deported from US arrives in Belo Horizonte

A Brazilian Air Force [Força Aérea Brasileira/FAB] KC-30 aircraft bringing 88 Brazilian nationals from the United States landed at Confins International Airport in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, at 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 25.

Welcome to our country, welcome to Minas Gerais. I am here at President Lula's request to accompany you as you disembark, to welcome you. Our position is that countries can have their own immigration policies, but never violate anyone's human rights and, in particular, I have an eye on the children. So I would like to ask that families with children be given priority when disembarking"

Macaé Evaristo
minister of Human Rights and Citizenship

The Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship Macaé Evaristo was there to welcome the group. "Welcome to our country, welcome to Minas Gerais. I am here at President Lula's request to accompany you as you disembark, to welcome you. Our position is that countries can have their own immigration policies, but never violate anyone's human rights and, especially, I have an eye on the children. So I would like to ask that families with children be given priority here when disembarking," said the minister from inside the aircraft.

The 88 deportees were initially expected to arrive in Belo Horizonte on Friday night (24), but the plane coming from the United States faced technical problems and had to land in Manaus.

Transportation of the Brazilian citizens from Manaus to Belo Horizonte was determined by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to ensure they completed their journey with dignity and safety.

The Brazilians who arrived in the Amazon capital in handcuffs were received and immediately released from their restraints by the Federal Police, under the guidance of the Minister of Justice and Public Security Ricardo Lewandowski, to ensure Brazilian sovereignty on national territory, and the security protocols in Brazil.

The Federal Police prohibited the US officials from restraining the Brazilians again.

The passengers were welcomed and accommodated in the restricted area of Manaus airport. They were given drinks, food and access to mattresses, toilets and showers. They were also accompanied and protected by FAB military personnel and Brazilian federal police officers. The flight to Belo Horizonte took off at 16:40 (local time) on Saturday. 

O nosso posicionamento é que os países podem ter suas políticas imigratórias, mas nunca podemos desrespeitar os direitos humanos. Bem vindos de volta ao Brasil. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/VYvWKnl5dC

— Macaé Evaristo (@MacaeEvaristo) January 26, 2025

REQUEST FOR EXPLANATIONS – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Ministério das Relações Exteriores] will request an explanation from the US government regarding the degrading treatment of passengers on the flight from the United States. The decision was made following a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira; the interim superintendent of the Federal Police in Amazonas, Sávio Pinzón; and Air Force Major-General Ramiro Pinheiro, commander of the 7th Regional Air Command.

Vieira was given a detailed account of the incidents at Eduardo Gomes Airport involving the deported Brazilian citizens.