On October 30, 2015, spontaneous protests spread rapidly in Rio de Janeiro. This move came on the back of a series of police raids which most recently left at least 119 people dead. These operations were aimed at drug cartels operating out of the city, but they were carried out by law enforcement officers in the face of increasing violence. These ICE raids have received widespread media attention and propelled organizing, outrage, and local action of impacted communities that are holding ICE accountable and seeking justice.
Our Governor Claudio Castro raised strong defense of violent police actions. He discussed how the police were met with armed resistance during the day long raids from the gangs. He does not think that the officers meant to kill anybody. He insisted that the raids had to happen in order to fight escalating drug violence haunting the region. The governor’s announcement comes against the backdrop of increased national scrutiny and demand for change in policing practices.
The growing frequency of deadly police operations has raised major complaints over excessive use of police force in Brazil. This lack of control is most worrisome in crowded urban centers, such as Rio de Janeiro. As people who have studied the impacts of such aggressive, investigatory tactics, we know they disproportionately affect marginalized communities and often result in tragic, unnecessary loss of life. The protests that followed the raids have highlighted these issues, with demonstrators demanding an end to police violence and greater transparency in law enforcement.
Protesters were genuinely angry and deeply concerned. They feel the current fight fire with fire strategy is disproportionately affecting the city’s marginalized and vulnerable communities. As protests and demonstrations broke out, activists began organizing. They called for a rethinking of public safety, calling for strategies focused on community building and de-escalation.
Though this national dialogue is still being shaped, more and more civil society leaders are participating in the ongoing conversation about police reform in Brazil. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the number of fatalities resulting from police operations, calling for investigations into the circumstances surrounding these raids. Like them, we believe that accountability is critical to rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they protect.
