Indigenous leader Júnior Hekurari Yanomami urges the global community not to purchase Brazilian gold, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in the Yanomami Territory due to illegal mining. The crisis was exacerbated under former President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has prioritized removing illegal miners and holding investors accountable. Federal authorities have conducted operations to dismantle mining operations, but challenges remain, including the use of high-tech equipment like Elon Musk's Starlink satellites by illegal miners. Júnior emphasizes the need for sustainable employment solutions and remains concerned about potential political changes that could reverse progress.

Brazil is concerned about a potential new immigration crisis in Acre due to stricter border controls by Peru and Chile. In 2022, 3,375 Venezuelans entered Brazil through Acre, a significant increase from previous years. Local experts attribute the rise to tougher migration rules in Peru and Chile. The growing number of immigrants is straining shelters, and there are fears of a crisis similar to those in 2013 and 2021. A Peruvian decree to expel undocumented foreigners, effective October 28, exacerbates concerns. The UNHCR acknowledges the severity of Acre's situation, and Amnesty International criticizes the failure of Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile to protect Venezuelan citizens. Acre's authorities and experts hope for federal support similar to the Operation Welcome program for Venezuelans in Roraima. Anti-immigrant sentiment is rising in Peru, with President Dina Boluarte's rhetoric reflecting xenophobia. The main route for Venezuelan immigrants to Brazil remains through Roraima, but Acre's route is also significant, with a history of Haitian and African migration. Venezuelan immigrant Andreina Veliz Ramirez shares her struggles with regularization in Peru and her life in Rio Branco, Acre, where she benefits from Brazil's social support despite challenges.

Brazil is concerned about a potential new immigration crisis in Acre due to stricter immigration policies in Chile and Peru, including militarization of borders. The number of Venezuelan immigrants entering Brazil through Acre has increased significantly, with 3,375 in 2022 compared to 1,862 in 2021 and 572 in 2020. Local experts attribute this rise to the toughening immigration rules in Peru and Chile. The growing number of immigrants is straining local shelters and services, and there are fears of a crisis similar to those in 2013 and 2021. A Peruvian government decree to expel undocumented foreigners, effective October 28, exacerbates these concerns. The UNHCR acknowledges the unprecedented displacement crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean. Amnesty International criticizes Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile for failing to protect Venezuelan citizens. Acre's authorities and experts hope for federal support similar to the Operation Welcome program for Venezuelans in Roraima. Anti-immigrant sentiment is rising in Peru, with President Dina Boluarte's rhetoric reflecting xenophobia. Chile also experienced xenophobic incidents, although the current government is attempting to tighten immigration policies.

Indigenous leader Júnior Hekurari Yanomami calls for a boycott of Brazilian gold to combat the humanitarian crisis in the Yanomami territory caused by illegal mining. The crisis was exacerbated under former President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration. The new government under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has prioritized removing illegal miners and holding investors accountable. Júnior led an international awareness campaign, awarding Oscar nominees with wooden statuettes to highlight the plight of the Yanomami. He emphasizes the need for sustainable employment solutions and expresses concern about potential future government changes that could leave the territory unprotected again. The interview also touches on the use of Starlink satellites by illegal miners, which aids their operations.

In Roraima, a conservative region of Brazil's Amazon, Governor Antonio Denarium, an ally of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, is seeking re-election and enjoys strong support among evangelical voters. Bolsonaro leads in local polls despite trailing in nationwide surveys to left-wing former President Luiz Inacio 'Lula' da Silva. The region's economy, driven by agriculture and extraction, aligns with Bolsonaro's hardline stance on crime and relaxed environmental regulations. Controversies include Denarium's past environmental fines and attempts to legalize wildcat mining, which critics argue could lead to 'gold laundering.' The political landscape features candidates like Rodrigo Cataratas, under investigation for illegal mining, and Helder Girao, a pro-liberty Senate candidate. The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has also influenced local politics, with many in Roraima fearing a similar fate.

In the context of Brazil's general elections, Indigenous candidates are challenging the stronghold of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in the Amazonian state of Roraima. Joenia Wapichana, the first Indigenous woman elected to Congress, is seeking re-election and criticizes Bolsonaro's pro-mining rhetoric for endangering Indigenous communities. A record number of Indigenous candidates are running, but face challenges due to limited budgets and traditional political support. Bolsonaro's claims about Indigenous land and the state's mineral wealth resonate with Roraima's conservative population, despite being mostly untrue. Illegal mining has surged on Indigenous lands since Bolsonaro's election, causing environmental and social harm. Indigenous representation in Congress is seen as crucial for defending Indigenous rights and the environment.

In Roraima state, Brazil, illegal gold mining is facilitated by aircraft transporting prospectors and equipment to the Yanomami reserve, an Indigenous area the size of Portugal. Police have seized over 20 aircraft and intensified efforts to disrupt the logistics of illegal mining, which is supported by local elites laundering money through Boa Vista businesses. The unauthorized aircraft and fuel are crucial to the illicit operations, which have increased due to high gold prices, reduced oversight, and President Bolsonaro's pro-mining rhetoric. The illegal trade has led to violence against Indigenous people and environmental damage. Federal agencies are cracking down on these activities, with investigations into companies like Icarai Turismo Taxi Aereo and asset freezes on suspected illegal mining operators.

In Roraima state, Brazil, illegal gold mining is rampant, with an estimated 20,000 miners operating on the Yanomami reserve. The Federal Police have seized over twenty aircraft used to transport miners and supplies, highlighting the logistical backbone of this illicit industry. Despite intensified police efforts and the seizure of assets from those involved, the trade persists, fueled by high gold prices and reduced oversight. Federal agencies, including Brazil's Civil Aviation Agency and environmental regulator Ibama, are cracking down on the illegal trade, which has led to violence and tensions with Indigenous groups. An AP investigation reveals the complex network of illegal mining, including the use of unauthorized aircraft and fuel, and the involvement of local elites and legitimate businesses in laundering money.

In Roraima state, Brazil, illegal gold mining is facilitated by aircraft transporting prospectors and equipment to the Yanomami reserve, an Indigenous area the size of Portugal. An Associated Press investigation reveals that these unauthorized flights and the fuel required are central to the illicit mining economy. Despite intensified police efforts to disrupt these operations, challenges persist due to aircraft ownership obfuscation and the use of fronts. The situation is exacerbated by high gold prices, reduced oversight, and President Bolsonaro's pro-mining stance. Federal agencies are cracking down on the trade, with Brazil's civil aviation agency investigating Icaraí Turismo Táxi Aéreo, and Ibama closing illegal airstrips and seizing equipment. The illegal mining has led to environmental damage, conflicts with Indigenous groups, and violence, including the murder of two Yanomami men.