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October 23, 2018Philadelphia, PA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE removes murder suspect wanted in Brazil

Varley Ramos Costa, 53, a Brazilian citizen, entered the United States on an unknown date and place without inspection or parole by an immigration officer. Varley Ramos Costa, 53, a Brazilian citizen, entered the United States on an unknown date and place without inspection or parole by an immigration officer.

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) removed a fugitive citizen of Brazil Tuesday, wanted by Brazilian authorities for murder and attempted murder.

Varley Ramos Costa, 53, a Brazilian citizen, entered the United States on an unknown date and place without inspection or parole by an immigration officer.

On May 25, 2017, ERO Philadelphia arrested Costa outside his residence in Philadelphia, charging him as being removable from the United States, after ERO received and confirmed an active warrant of arrest from the Brazilian authorities for his apprehension.

“ICE will continue to seek out dangerous criminals who pose a threat to our communities,” said Simona L. Flores, field office director of ERO Philadelphia. “Mr. Costa’s removal reflects ERO's commitment to public safety in the United States and also abroad.”

On Sept. 21, 2017, an immigration judge ordered Costa be removed, a decision that subsequently upheld upon appeal.  On Feb. 28, 2018,  Costa filed a petition for review and a motion for a stay of removal with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in a temporary stay. On Aug. 2, 2018, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals denied the motion for a stay of removal and vacated the temporary stay, paving the way for his repatriation to Brazil.

Mr. Costa was removed from the United States and turned over to Brazilian law enforcement authorities without incident.

Since October 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 1,700 foreign fugitives from the United States who were sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. In fiscal year 2017, ICE conducted 226,119 removals nationwide. Eighty-three percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.

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