Another criminal illegal migrant has been apprehended in New Jersey’s sanctuary city of Newark.
Douglas De Souza Gontijo, a 34-year-old Brazilian native wanted by Brazilian authorities for drug trafficking crimes, was apprehended by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the assistance of the FBI.
De Souza was arrested on March 13 and is currently detained by ICE. Officials stated that his capture is part of continuous efforts to apprehend foreign fugitives and improve public safety.
“ICE arrests of criminal aliens not only assist our international partners in making sure justice is served for those wanted overseas, but also ensure our American neighborhoods remain safe,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.
De Souza initially entered US custody on March 31, 2023, when Border Patrol detained him near San Luis, Arizona. He was served with a notice to appear and freed on recognizance pending deportation procedures.
Authorities have not said whether De Souza will face extradition to Brazil or additional legal proceedings in the United States. His capture is part of a larger effort by law enforcement authorities to seek and apprehend fugitives with substantial criminal records.
ICE and the FBI are continuing to work with international law enforcement partners to arrest foreign criminals wanted for crimes committed overseas.