A Brazilian federal court has **reinstated an order requiring access to the river port terminal operated by Cargill in Santarém, overturning a temporary suspension of the mandate and marking a legal win for the U.S. grain trader. The decision was signed by federal judge Shamyl Cipriano late on Wednesday.
Indigenous groups and allied protesters have been blocking truck access to the terminal for several days, opposing plans to dredge the Tapajós River—a move they say could accelerate the transport of soy, corn and other grains for export but harm local ecosystems and Indigenous livelihoods.
Last Friday, a federal court initially ordered the government to clear the blockade within 48 hours and restore access to the facility. However, federal prosecutors successfully appealed that ruling on procedural grounds, arguing it ignored legal requirements for Indigenous consultation and mediation. That appeal briefly halted the order before it was reinstated this week.
The renewed decision obliges authorities to ensure unhindered entry to Cargill’s terminal in Pará state, a crucial logistics hub for Brazil’s agricultural exports. Amport, an association representing Amazon Basin port operators, welcomed the ruling, stating it recognizes the “essential nature of port infrastructure and … the harm resulting from a prolonged shutdown.”
Despite the court order, protests continue. Local media reported Indigenous demonstrators have intercepted barges on the Tapajós River, highlighting ongoing tensions over the future of the waterway, dredging plans and the broader role of agribusiness in the region.