NEWARK, N.J. – Another criminal illegal migrant has been snatched from New Jersey’s sanctuary city of Newark.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with assistance from the FBI, arrested Douglas De Souza Gontijo, a 34-year-old Brazilian national wanted by authorities in Brazil for drug trafficking-related crimes.
De Souza was taken into custody on March 13 and remains in ICE detention. Officials said his arrest is part of ongoing efforts to target international fugitives and enhance 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 first entered U.S. custody on March 31, 2023, when U.S. Border Patrol apprehended him near San Luis, Arizona. He was served with a notice to appear and released on an order of recognizance pending removal proceedings.
Authorities have not disclosed whether De Souza will face extradition to Brazil or further legal action in the U.S. His arrest is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to locate and detain fugitives with serious criminal backgrounds.
ICE and the FBI continue to coordinate with international law enforcement partners to apprehend foreign nationals wanted for crimes committed abroad.
Key Points:
- ICE and the FBI arrested Brazilian fugitive Douglas De Souza Gontijo in Newark, N.J., on March 13.
- De Souza was wanted in Brazil for drug trafficking-related crimes.
- He was first detained by U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona in March 2023 but was later released pending removal proceedings.
