ICE returns fugitive wanted for murder in Brazil

MIAMI - A Brazilian national wanted by law enforcement authorities in his native country for murder was turned over to Brazilian law enforcement authorities today by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Miami.

Geraldo Ricardo Miranda, 44, departed Miami International Airport in Miami on Monday and was turned over to authorities Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 12.

Miranda had been a fugitive from the authorities since December 2003, when the Brazilian court issued an arrest warrant for qualified homicide. Brazilian law enforcement had issued an Interpol notice for his arrest.

In April of 2010 ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested Miranda for federal criminal violations related to making false statements in a passport application and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. In September 2010 Miranda was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison. On May 31, he was released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and transferred to the custody of ICE ERO for removal proceedings.

An immigration judge subsequently ordered Miranda to be removed from the United States on June 10.

"Returning this fugitive to Brazil is a prime example of how ICE works closely with our international law enforcement partners to identify, locate and deport aliens who are wanted in their home countries for allegedly committing crimes," said Marc J. Moore, field office director for ICE ERO in Miami. "ICE prioritizes the arrest and removal of convicted criminal aliens. As a result, our communities are safer and more secure."

ICE ERO Miami coordinated the removal of Ricardo Miranda with the ICE Attaché office in Brasilia and the Brazilian Federal Police.