The case involving two employees of the City of Tacuru (MS), dismissed after the release of audios with threats against indigenous people of the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, in Aldeia Sassoró, after the second round of the 2026 elections, led the federal government to mobilize an interministerial task force and send the National Force to reinforce security in indigenous communities in Mato Grosso do Sul.
The messages, which circulated in WhatsApp groups, mentioned the possibility of poisoning the water consumed by the village's residents. Faced with the threats, the Federal Police (PF) and the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) launched investigations to determine possible criminal responsibilities.
What motivated the investigation into threats against indigenous people in MS?
The investigation began after the release of WhatsApp audios in which a Tacuru server suggested putting poison in the water consumed by residents of Aldeia Sassoró. The statements, with racist and discriminatory content, circulated after the second round of the 2026 elections. Faced with the repercussions, indigenous leaders and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples contacted the Federal Police and the Federal Public Ministry.
What does the audio say?
According to the complaint filed with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, audio messages shared in WhatsApp groups mentioned the intention to poison the water consumed by the residents of Aldeia Sassoró. One of the lines attributed to one of the servers mentions the need to "kill these pests in the water", in reference to the community's indigenous people.
Was the water in Aldeia Sassoró poisoned?
There is no proof or evidence that the water in Aldeia Sassoró has been contaminated. The community is supplied by artesian wells and has running water in most homes. Although there is no record that the threat was carried out, the messages caused fear among families, changed residents' routines and led authorities to carry out preventive inspections.
Who are the employees involved and what measures were taken?
Two municipal public servants from Tacuru were identified and preventively removed from their duties. One of them works in the infrastructure sector and the other in waste collection. Neither of them is connected to the water supply. The city hall initiated an Administrative Disciplinary Process (PAD) to investigate the conduct of the employees.
What did those investigated and Tacuru City Hall claim?
In a statement to the Federal Police, the employees acknowledged the authorship of the recordings, but stated that the statements were the result of alcohol consumption and a moment of political exaltation, with no real intention of carrying out an attack. The mayor of Tacuru, Rogério Torquetti, published a video in which he apologized to the indigenous community, made himself available to the courts and confirmed the dismissal of the employees.
What measures were adopted by the federal government?
An interministerial task force was created, with participation from the Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and Racial Equality portfolios. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ordered the delegation with three ministers to be sent to listen to Guarani-Kaiowá leaders in the Taquaperi and Sassoró villages. The initiative aims to centralize reports of political violence and coordinate security measures with the Federal Police and the Federal Public Ministry.
How does the National Force work to protect indigenous communities?
The National Public Security Force mobilized 145 agents to carry out extensive patrolling in the Sassoró villages, in Tacuru; Taquaperi, in Coronel Sapucaia; and Limão Verde, in Amambai. According to the Ministry of Justice, the agents will remain in the communities indefinitely. The action seeks to prevent conflicts, contain threats and guarantee the right of residents to come and go.
Have other reports of murders and attacks in the state been confirmed?
The Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib) reported reports of violence in the region. However, investigations by the Federal Public Ministry and the Federal Police ruled out a relationship between the deaths found in Naviraí and indigenous peoples, as well as political motivation for the cases. At the same time, the State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security of Mato Grosso do Sul (Sejusp-MS) denied the occurrence of genocide in the state.
What still remains to be clarified about the case?
Although the servers admitted authorship of the recordings, the investigations by the Federal Police and the administrative procedure of the City of Tacuru still need to clarify whether there was participation of other people or any planning to carry out the attack. It also remains to be defined whether the conduct constitutes crimes of racism and discrimination, in addition to determining any possible criminal and administrative sanctions applicable to those involved.
