ICE Boston, law enforcement partners arrest illegal Brazilian gang member convicted of assault, battery in Massachusetts

BELLINGHAM, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives apprehended an illegally present Brazilian national and validated gang member convicted of assault and battery against a Massachusetts resident with the arrest of Caio Vitor Guimaraes-Silva, 21, during an immigration enforcement operation in Bellingham, Feb. 3.

“Caio Vitor Guimaraes-Silva has not only shown a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws, but he also presented a significant danger to the residents of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “As a documented member of a violent street gang and an alien convicted of a violent crime, we could no longer abide Mr. Guimaraes’ presence in our community. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

Guimaraes lawfully entered the United States September 3, 2017, and later violated the terms of his lawful admission.

ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Guimaraes with the Middlesex County House of Corrections Feb. 16, 2024, following his arrest by local authorities.

The Milford District Court found Guimaraes guilty of two counts of assault and battery against a Massachusetts resident Sept. 9, 2024. The court sentenced Guimaraes to one year in prison but suspended all but 90 days of time served. The court then released Guimaraes from state custody, ignoring the ICE immigration detainer.

Guimaraes is in ICE custody following his arrest.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.