In a significant ruling, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) of Brazil has denied an agreement with a garimpeiro who has been under investigation by the Federal Police for suspected illegal mining activities within the Sararé Indigenous Land, located in the state of Mato Grosso. This decision, published in the institution's extrajudicial diary, highlights the ongoing issue of illegal mining and its severe impact on indigenous territories and the environment.

The Sararé Indigenous Land is considered one of the most devastated areas within Brazil's Legal Amazon, and authorities have been engaged in continuous operations to expel illegal miners and protect the indigenous community. Despite these efforts, including persistent police operations that often entail significant public spending, illegal activities have not ceased, prompting the MPF to declare that an agreement with the investigated garimpeiro was unwarranted. The MPF's arguments reinforce the idea that merely deploying security forces is insufficient to deter criminal activity in this vulnerable area.

Police reports indicate that, as of 2024, the region has been heavily influenced by organized crime, specifically the notorious Comando Vermelho gang. The persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with illegal mining illustrate a deeper systemic issue in protecting indigenous lands. This ruling raises important implications for future agreements with perpetrators and highlights the necessary commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Sararé Indigenous Territory against illegal exploitation.