A single police raid in Brazil has left over a hundred dead, sparking a national debate that could reshape the country’s political landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the world condemns the operation as a human rights disaster, many Brazilians are cheering it on. This stark divide puts President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in an impossible position, forcing him to balance international outrage with domestic demands for tougher crime policies. And this is the part most people miss—Lula’s focus on environmental reforms, like the U.N. climate conference COP30, feels out of touch with voters more worried about their safety on the streets.
The October 28 raid in Rio de Janeiro’s Penha slum complex ended with at least 121 deaths, including four police officers. The operation, aimed at drug trafficking, was so violent that United Nations officials demanded independent investigations into potential unlawful killings. Activists flooded the streets in protest as families mourned their loved ones, captured in a haunting image of a mourner kissing a covered body—a stark reminder of the human cost. Lula, caught off guard while returning from Malaysia, called the raid a 'mass killing' during his COP30 appearance, emphasizing, 'The judge ordered arrests, not a massacre.'
Here’s the kicker: Despite the bloodshed, a majority of Brazilians support the raid. A recent AtlasIntel poll shows 55% of the country—and 62% of Rio residents—backed the operation. 'A good criminal is a dead one,' declared Adeilton da Silveira, a Rio doorman, echoing a sentiment that’s gaining traction. This shift in public opinion has handed right-wing politicians a golden opportunity. Rio Governor Claudio Castro, who ordered the raid, saw his approval ratings jump by 10 points, while conservative leaders like Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema praised the operation, drawing parallels to El Salvador’s hardline anti-gang policies under President Nayib Bukele.
But is this approach sustainable? Critics argue the raid did little to improve safety. A Genial/Quaest poll found most Rio residents feel less secure, with one local stating, 'You traumatize the community, scare children, and destroy families.' The Supreme Court is now under pressure to investigate police violence, which could trigger a federal probe into the raid. For Lula, the fallout could derail his 2026 reelection bid, even as his approval ratings recently hit a yearly high of 33%.
As Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes steps in to lead discussions on police use of force in Rio’s favelas, the question remains: Can Brazil tackle crime without sacrificing human rights? What do you think? Is this raid a necessary evil or a dangerous precedent? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
