Brazilians Deported from United States to African Nations

The United States government has deported Brazilian citizens to African countries, including Liberia and Equatorial Guinea, rather than returning them to their home country. Under the administration of Donald Trump, nearly 25,000 people were deported to third party locations that receive millions of dollars to accept immigrants. This practice typically affects individuals who sought asylum in the U.S. by claiming they were unsafe in their home countries due to political persecution or violence, which legally prevents the U.S. justice system from returning them to their birthplaces.

Paola Santos, a 21 year old from Minas Gerais, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after living in Massachusetts for five years. She reported being handcuffed at her waist, hands, and feet during a 16 hour flight to Liberia. She stated that officials threatened her with force if she did not disembark the bus.

Pietro Graza de Lima, from Pernambuco, was initially on a flight to Liberia but was diverted to Equatorial Guinea after he and four others resisted disembarking. He described being met by armed, hooded police officers. Lima, who previously fled Brazil after being shot in an ambush he claims was orchestrated by corrupt police, is currently held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that its ambassador in Equatorial Guinea was informed that Lima is in good health and that a visit would be facilitated. Regarding the case of Paola Santos, the Ministry stated it had received no notification from the involved states, the national, or her family.