PRF rescues 108 Cuban migrants on the Brazilian border
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) rescued 108 Cuban citizens who were trying to enter Brazil illegally across the border with Guyana.
The operation was carried out on Monday (8), on BR-401, in Cantá, in the state of Roraima, and also resulted in the arrest in the act of five people suspected of being part of migrant trafficking schemes.
The rescues occurred in different actions carried out throughout the afternoon and evening during Operation Safe Route, a PRF initiative aimed at combating irregular immigration and human trafficking in the border region.
In one of the incidents, police officers were carrying out extensive patrolling when they identified a group of vehicles traveling in convoy along the highway.
Upon receiving orders to stop, the drivers disobeyed the order and fled along dirt roads.
After tactical monitoring, the teams managed to intercept three vehicles. Inside them, 39 people were found, including adults, elderly people and children, transported in precarious and overcrowded conditions.
According to reports from the immigrants themselves, many had not eaten for at least two days. During the night, a new approach resulted in the identification of eight Cubans transported irregularly.
The vehicle used for clandestine entry into the country was seized and a person was arrested on suspicion of transporting foreigners. All were sent to the Federal Police.
On the same night, police officers accompanied a vehicle suspected of participating in the illegal migrant transport scheme.
The action took the agents to a residence in Cantá, where another 61 Cuban citizens were found. A car was also seized at the scene.
According to the PRF, this was the largest humanitarian rescue operation ever recorded in a single occurrence in the state of Roraima.
The actions culminated in the arrest of five suspects, popularly known as "coyotes", responsible for organizing and executing the clandestine transportation of foreigners.
With the result of this operation, the number of migrants rescued by the PRF in Roraima between 2024 and June 2026 reaches 297.
The majority of victims are Cuban citizens who try to enter Brazil through the border with Guyana.
The arrested suspects were sent to the Federal Police Superintendency for investigation procedures.
The immigrants were presented to the PF for immigration regularization and subsequent referral to the official social assistance network.
Human trafficking and the actions of "coyotes"
According to the PRF, many foreigners who try to enter the country without adequate documentation end up becoming targets of clandestine human trafficking networks.
The so-called "coyotes" charge high amounts promising safe crossings, but subject migrants to degrading conditions and high-risk journeys.
To escape inspection, transporters often use alternative routes and unpaved roads, driving vehicles at high speed and without adequate safety conditions.
The practice significantly increases the risk of serious accidents and puts the lives of passengers at risk.
Operation Safe Route
Faced with the increase in cases of irregular immigration on the country's northern border, Operation Safe Route intensifies inspections in areas used for the clandestine entry of foreigners.
In addition to combating human trafficking, the initiative prioritizes humanitarian assistance to rescued migrants, offering water, food and initial health support, especially for children and elderly people found in vulnerable situations.
Source: CNN