Federal Government welcomes 104 repatriated nationals in Fortaleza, Belo Horizonte with complete reception structure

Action aimed at ensuring dignified, safe return to Brazilian nationals who were in the United States counted with reception team composed of various ministries, as well as state, international agencies

Published in Mar 31, 2025 12:37 PM

Federal Government intends to receive and provide the conditions for these individuals arriving from the U.S. to regain their dignity and citizenship rights. Image: MDHC / Publicity

Through a series of integrated efforts, the Federal Government received over 104 repatriated Brazilian nationals who landed at the Fortaleza International Airport (Pinto Martins) and the Belo Horizonte International Airport, in Confins, this Friday, March 28. The group was composed of 79 men and 25 women, most of whom (86,5%) between 19-50 years old; there were also seven children and teenagers. From a total of 104 arrivals, 76 were transported with the support of the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira /FAB) to Belo Horizonte, while the remainder stayed in Fortaleza.

The guideline is that as soon as the aircraft lands on Brazilian soil, these individuals immediately regain their full citizenship rights. Handcuffs and restraints are removed and they receive proper treatment.”

Bruno Teixeira, National Secretary at the Brazilian Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship

According to Bruno Teixeira, National Secretary at the Brazilian Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, every effort is being made to ensure a dignified return to the deported individuals. “The guideline is that as soon as the aircraft lands on Brazilian soil, these individuals immediately regain their full citizenship rights. Handcuffs and restraints are removed and they receive proper treatment,” emphasized Teixeira.

RELIEF – Upon arriving in Brazil, Rodrigo Araújo, 32, expressed relief. “There are doctors here if we need assistance. Proper food is also being provided. Our reception has been great.” He lived in the United States for 10 years.

One of the passengers required assistance in obtaining personal documents. “She went there as a baby and is returning to Brazil at the age of 50. So, for her in particular, we are providing support so that she can access documentation,” Teixeira explained. She was directed to the Civil Police to regularize her situation. Fourteen individuals requested shelter upon arrival in the state of Ceará. Four others had outstanding legal issues with the Brazilian Justice System and were taken into custody by the Federal Police.

INTEGRATION – The federal initiative involves multiple ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family, and Hunger Eradication (Desenvolvimento e Assistência Social, Família e Combate à Fome); the Ministry of Health (Saúde); the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Relações Exteriores); the Ministry of Defense (Defesa); and the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). The coordinated effort also includes state secretariats, the Federal Public Defender's Office (Defensoria Pública da União) and airport concessionaires Fraport Brasil and BH Airport. “We strengthened the Federal Government's infrastructure in cooperation with the state government, the Federal Public Defender's Office, the Federal Police and the Brazilian Air Force, establishing a protocol to ensure proper reception and service provision for these individuals,” stated Bruno Teixeira.

VACCINATION – The Ministry of Health, represented by Marcos Simão de Souza, coordinated efforts across various sectors and managed the logistics of receiving repatriated individuals. In Fortaleza, the ministry verifies the vaccination status of those deported. In Belo Horizonte, they have direct access to the Municipal Health Secretariat for medical support.

DREAM – Public Defender Celso Gabriel de Rezende highlighted the importance of this reception structure. “Those who are arriving had a dream of leaving the country and it became a nightmare after their deportation. The State is receiving these individuals with dignity, food and support,” he said. The currently favorable situation of the Brazilian labor market may facilitate the re-insertion of the deported individuals. “The country is undergoing a moment of full employment and a favorable economic outlook. This will help the people who are returning to restart their lives,” he said.

TRANSPORTATION – For those without a place to stay upon arrival, the Federal Government is providing temporary shelter with food and accommodation, as well as covering transportation expenses to ensure their safe return to their cities of origin. “We established a partnership with the National Land Transport Agency (Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres /ANTT), allowing us to transport these passengers to the bus terminal. The agency is also coordinating with land transport companies to provide free transportation so they can proceed to their final destinations,” explained Paulo Victor Resende, projects manager at the MDHC Executive Secretariat.