Indigenous Protesters Occupy Cargill Terminal in Brazil, Demanding Ban on Amazon Dredging

Indigenous Communities Escalate Protests at Cargill Terminal

Indigenous protesters in Santarém, Pará state, Brazil, have occupied a shipping terminal operated by the U.S. agricultural giant Cargill. The occupation, which began on Friday evening, February 20, 2026, marks an escalation of demonstrations that have been ongoing for approximately a month outside the facility. Hundreds of Indigenous people from 14 communities are involved, including members of the Munduruku and Arapiuns peoples, represented by the Tapajos and Arapiuns Indigenous Council.

The protesters are demanding a ban on dredging Amazon waterways and the repeal of a decree signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in August 2025. This decree designates major Amazonian rivers, such as the Tapajós, Madeira, and Tocantins, as priorities for cargo navigation and private port expansion.

Demands for Environmental Protection and Consultation

The core of the Indigenous communities' demands centers on the environmental impact of proposed dredging projects and the lack of consultation. They argue that dredging would severely affect water quality and the fishing resources crucial for their survival and traditional way of life. Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap of the Munduruku people stated, 'This infrastructure that is coming is not a space for us, and it never will be. It is a project of death to kill our river and our sacred places.' Another leader, Auricelia Arapiuns, emphasized the government's failure to consult affected communities, a requirement under Brazilian law and international conventions.

Protesters are also calling for the cancellation of a federal tender, issued in December 2025, valued at 74.8 million reais ($14.2 million), intended for the management and dredging of the Tapajós River. They have vowed to remain at the terminal until the Lula administration revokes the controversial decree.

Cargill Operations Halted Amidst Allegations of Vandalism

Cargill confirmed that operations at its Santarém river port terminal have been 'completely' interrupted, with employees forced to evacuate on Friday evening. The company reported 'strong evidence of vandalism and damage to assets' at the site. In response to the situation, Cargill stated it is in contact with local authorities to facilitate an 'orderly and safe' eviction.

Cargill, a major shipper of soy and corn in Brazil, clarified that it has 'no authority or control' over the complaints raised by the protesters regarding river development and dredging plans. The company urged the government and demonstrators to engage in a 'constructive dialogue' to resolve the dispute. Last year, Cargill shipped over 5.5 million metric tons of soybeans and corn through Santarém, accounting for more than 70% of the total grain volume handled at the port.

Government's Stance and Broader Context

The Brazilian government had previously described dredging as a routine measure to ensure river traffic during periods of low water levels. While the government announced a suspension of dredging in the Tapajós River approximately two weeks prior to the terminal occupation, Indigenous groups maintain that this is insufficient and are pressing for a full revocation of the decree.

The proposed dredging is part of the larger Tapajós waterway infrastructure project, designed to enable year-round navigation for large barges transporting grains from Brazil's agricultural heartlands to Atlantic ports. This ongoing dispute highlights the tension between agribusiness expansion and the environmental and cultural preservation concerns of Indigenous communities in the Amazon, an issue that was also raised during the COP30 climate talks in November 2025.