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For more information on EOIR, visit: justice.gov/eoir.
ERO Newark arrests Brazilian fugitive wanted for drug trafficking
NEWARK, N.J. — Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark arrested a Brazilian fugitive wanted in Brazil for drug trafficking in Newark on Feb. 15.
On Feb. 12, 2019, the United States Border Patrol arrested the man near El Paso, Texas, issued him a Notice to Appear and turned him over to ERO El Paso.
He was placed in the Alternatives to Detention program and released from ERO custody pending his immigration hearing with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. He was terminated from the program on August 17, 2020, due to noncompliance with the conditions of release and was classified as an absconder.
On Feb. 10, 2022, a court in Brazil sentenced him in absentia to 5 years and 10 months imprisonment for drug trafficking and issued a warrant of arrest for him.
On Feb. 15, 2023, ERO Newark arrested the man pursuant to the warrant and detained him in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. FBI agents assisted ERO Newark in locating and arresting the man, who remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
“Our officers are to be commended for pursuing and arresting this individual, as he is criminally sought by Brazil and a potential danger to the community here based on his past criminal history,” said ERO Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. “Due to their efforts and the efforts of our law enforcement partners, the community is safer.”
“This individual made a mistake thinking he would be able to hide from the Brazilian government here in the United States. His arrest demonstrates how vital it is to have ICE-ERO Officers on our FBI Newark Task Forces. We were able to collaborate and quickly catch a fugitive trying to evade capture by crossing international borders. We thank ICE-ERO for their partnership and dedication,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy.
In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories. This group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions, including 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homicide-related offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.
Members of the public can report crimes and/or suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form.
ERO, a directorate of ICE, upholds U.S. immigration law at, within, and beyond our borders. ERO operations target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, who have violated our nation's immigration laws, including those who illegally re-enter the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. ERO deportation officers assigned to Interpol also assist in targeting foreign fugitives for crimes committed abroad at-large in the U.S. ERO manages all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, detention, bond management, supervised release, transportation, and removal. Additionally, ERO repatriates noncitizens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 150 countries worldwide.
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