Threats lead environmental officials to advocate for gun ownership

Amid the electoral race in Brazil, different proposals to expand the carrying of firearms to environmental officials are being discussed in the Legislative — and already have the support of some professionals in the sector. The measures under discussion focus on institutions that currently do not have this authorization, such as Funai and state and municipal environmental agencies, as well as federal entities that already foresee its use. This is the case of Ibama and ICMBio, whose officials seek authorization to carry firearms outside of working hours, out of fear of reprisals. In the Federal Senate, PL 2326/2022, which authorizes the arming of Funai employees "in inspection activities," is under analysis after passing through different committees. In the Chamber of Deputies, PL 5429/2023, which addresses the carrying of firearms for employees of the same foundation "who effectively carry out activities on indigenous lands," is also awaiting further progress. The scope of the measures has been increasing. In 2025, the Senate's Environment Commission (CMA) approved an amendment to PL 2326/2022, which now also includes the officials of Ibama and ICMBio, whose right to carry firearms while on duty is already provided for by law and specific regulations. "We need to ensure that working at Funai is not 'an adventure'," said Wagner Pereira Sena, director of the National Association of Funai Employees (Ansef) and a public servant for over 45 years. According to Sena, who is also a specialist in territorial management and land regularization on indigenous lands, convincing…This article was originally published on Mongabay