Irish Gardaí authorities reported that 42 Brazilians were deported between June 1 and July 31, 2025, as part of a special operation conducted by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Of these deportees, 15 were serving prison sentences in the country, and priority was given to those who were close to the end of their sentences — a measure that also helped to unclog the Irish prison system, which is facing overcrowding.
Additionally, 62 Brazilians chose to voluntarily return to Brazil. The impact of the operation is clear: since then, nearly 100 new Brazilians have sought to join the voluntary return program.
According to the GNIB, many individuals with valid deportation orders are already outside Ireland, likely having returned to Brazil — they continue to monitor each case.
The operation was conducted with support from the Irish Ministry of Justice and the Irish Prison Service, and included operational searches and targeted actions by the GNIB.
Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock, head of the GNIB, stressed that this action demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to removing people in an undocumented situation, and that it works in partnership with various agencies to ensure compliance and enforcement of immigration laws.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan also highlighted that, as of August 29, 2025, 2,713 deportation orders had been issued—a significant increase over the previous year (1,285 as of August 30, 2024). Of this total, 1,386 people have already been removed, either through forced deportation or voluntary return.
In previous operations, Ireland sent 35 people (including five children) to Nigeria on a charter flight, and 32 to Georgia, also on a charter flight.
