São Paulo, Brazil – A second flight carrying Brazilian citizens deported from the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration landed in Fortaleza, Brazil on February 7.
As with the previous flight, which arrived in Manaus on January 24, deportees reported mistreatment by U.S. authorities, alleging abuse during the journey.
Many also arrived in shackles, though this time, their restraints were removed before disembarkation in Fortaleza – an effort to avoid the scenes witnessed in Manaus that alarmed the Brazilian government and prompted diplomatic concern.
The aircraft, carrying 111 passengers – including men, women, children, and teenagers – departed from Alexandria, Louisiana, with a technical stop in Puerto Rico before proceeding to Brazil.
At President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s direction, a diplomat from Brazil’s Consulate General in Houston monitored the boarding process. Nevertheless, upon arrival, multiple passengers reported enduring more than 12 hours without access to food or water.
From Fortaleza, 88 of the repatriated Brazilians were flown to Belo Horizonte aboard a Brazilian Air Force aircraft.
At Confins Airport, the Brazilian government set up a reception center to assist deportees, providing food, water, electricity, internet access, and restrooms.
Officials also offered social assistance, guidance on public health services, and support for reentering the job market, along with resources to help individuals reconnect with their families.
Featured Image: Brazilian citizens deported from the U.S. alongside a Brazilian Air Force plane. Image credit: Brazilian Air Force via Agencia Brasil.
