Brazilian convict captured In Martha's Vineyard days after Brazilian sex criminal arrested on Nantucket

OAK BLUFFS, MA— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO) of Boston reported that agents in Martha's Vinyard captured a fugitive illegal immigrant wanted by the government of Brazil. The 36-year-old man, arrested on Sep. 17th in Oak Bluffs, was convicted on international drug trafficking charges and sentenced to serve a 10-year prison sentence.

According to the ICE press release, the Brazilian national entered the U.S. lawfully in Orlando, Florida in March of 2020, however, he violated his terms of admission. The Brazilian legal system reportedly sentenced the man in May 2012. Once ERO was advised of the man's fugitive status and his presence within their operations area, officers were dispatched to arrest him. The agency reported that the foreign national remains in federal custody.
 

@EROBoston arrests fugitive in Martha’s Vineyard wanted by Brazilian authorities for international drug trafficking
Link: https://t.co/61bPEJPPtD pic.twitter.com/L3eHLpWE96

— ERO Boston (@EROBoston) October 1, 2024

ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde said in a statement,

"This fugitive was convicted of international drug crimes in Brazil, and instead of serving his debt to society, he chose to run and hide on Martha’s Vineyard. Our officers are the best in the world at finding people who don’t want to be found. ERO Boston will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our New England communities.”

@EROBoston arrests Brazilian national charged with sex crimes against Massachusetts resident
Link: https://t.co/GtlrtXEO30 pic.twitter.com/i26v673fCY

— ERO Boston (@EROBoston) September 17, 2024

Just days before, ERO also apprehended a second Brazilian illegal immigrant, Gean Do Amaral Belafronte ,after he was charged with sexual assault on Nantucket Island. 

Belafronte was arrested in 2021 and released on bail pending trial, but failed to appear before an immigration judge on September 11th. ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons told reporters, “We have been consistent in our promise to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders. This is not a hollow expression; it is a sincere promise to the residents of our New England communities.”