Florianópolis Mayor Presses Ahead With Screening Arrivals and Returning Those Without Work or Housing

Overview

• Mayor Topázio Neto announced on Nov. 2 a system to identify people arriving from other cities without proof of employment or housing.
• He says about 500 people have already been "returned" via a social-assistance post at the bus terminal, with tickets provided back to their origin.
• The mayor asserts returns occur only after contacting a relative and that cases will be referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
• The Santa Catarina Public Defender’s Office opened a procedure, warning that compulsory removal would violate Article 5 and Supreme Court decisions.
• The state Public Prosecutor’s Office sent the matter to relevant prosecutors for possible action, and no judicial ruling has been reported.