Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) minister Edson Fachin has ordered the federal government to report within ten days on what steps have been taken to address reported invasions and risks in indigenous territories in the state of Pará. The directive comes from a case before the STF that monitors protection measures for isolated and recently contacted indigenous peoples, and it responds to specific concerns raised about the Ituna-Itatá and Cachoeira Seca lands.
In its submission to the court, the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib) said that a state law enacted in Pará created an environmental protection area that overlaps entirely with the territory set aside for an isolated group, according to a preliminary assessment by the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai). Apib added that after the law was published, there have been new incursions into the area. On August 16, Funai field personnel observed roughly one hundred individuals, thirty-five motorcycles and four vehicles inside the Ituna-Itatá indigenous land.
Apib asked the Supreme Court to suspend the effects of the state law, to strengthen security presence in the territory and to evacuate anyone who entered without proper authorization.
Regarding the Cachoeira Seca territory, also situated in Pará, Fachin had previously granted the government ninety days to present a plan for removing non-indigenous occupants. That period ends on Wednesday, August 26. The association that represents the Arara people, who inhabit Cachoeira Seca, reported ongoing security problems, illegal tourism activities and pressure on local indigenous leaders. The group also questioned the communication strategy prepared by Funai to accompany the removal operation.
Fachin further requested that the federal executive provide information on the creation of a governance committee tasked with the protection of isolated and recently contacted peoples. Once the government supplies its response, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR) will be invited to give its opinion on the matter.
The minister’s decision was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a statement released by the STF. It reflects the court’s ongoing oversight of policies affecting Brazil’s indigenous populations, particularly those living in voluntary isolation or with limited contact with the surrounding society. Observers note that invasions of indigenous lands often involve land grabbers, loggers and miners seeking to exploit natural resources, and that such incursions can threaten the health and cultural survival of vulnerable groups.
Both the federal administration led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT) and Funai have said they are working to address the situation, but they have not yet disclosed specific measures. The STF’s order aims to compel transparency and to set a clear timeline for official reporting.