New flight with US deported Brazilians lands in Fortaleza

A flight with 111 Brazilians deported from the United States landed at Fortaleza airport at 4:06 pm on Friday (7).

This is the second repatriation since the beginning of the new government of Donald Trump, and, unlike the first flight, the deported landed without handcuffs.

The change in logistics came after an incident on the last flight, in which the deported disembarked during a connection in Manaus.

The decision to land in Fortaleza, one of the Brazilian cities closest to the US, was taken to prevent the deported from spending more handcuffed time during the flight.

The plane departed from Alexandria, Louisiana, with a technical scale in Puerto Rico, before heading directly to the capital of Ceará.

Upon arrival, the deported will be transported to Minas Gerais on a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft, scheduled to take place at 6.30 pm.

The use of handcuffs in deportations is a common practice of the US government, but the Federal Police in Brazil clarified that the deported are not considered prisoners and, therefore, the handcuffs are removed when they arrive in the country.

The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, had already requested the withdrawal of the currents and expressed concern about the treatment given to the deported, leading Itamaraty to charge the US explanations about what he considers a “degrading” treatment.

To guarantee a humanized reception to repatriated Brazilians, the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship implemented a series of measures.

In Fortaleza and Belo Horizonte, there will be a reception and support scheme, with the participation of the Federal Police to perform the migratory and security procedures.

In addition, an advanced Humanized service station to the migrant was created in Fortaleza to speed up the return processes.

In Belo Horizonte, the Ministry established a host post to repatriates, which offers free internet access, cell phone porters and family communication channels, as well as guidance on public health and social assistance services.