Drug trafficking migrant released during biden administration captured at jersey shore sanctuary city

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a Brazilian national wanted for drug trafficking in his home country, authorities announced Wednesday. He was hiding out in New Jersey, a sanctuary state under Governor Phil Murphy.

Dirlei Da Luz Da Silva, 35, was taken into custody on March 21 in Long Branch, New Jersey, after Brazilian authorities issued a warrant for failing to appear and serve a 12-year, 10-month prison sentence for drug-related crimes.

Key Points

Dirlei Da Luz Da Silva was arrested in Long Branch on March 21
He faces a prison sentence in Brazil for drug trafficking offenses
ICE and the FBI coordinated on the fugitive’s apprehension

Da Luz had previously been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents on March 6, 2024, near El Paso, Texas. He was issued a notice to appear in immigration court and released on an order of recognizance, pending removal proceedings.

The FBI assisted ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Newark during the apprehension.

“We are committed to arresting aliens who have been involved in criminal activity, whether it be in the U.S. or overseas,” said ICE Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

Da Luz is currently in ICE custody as removal proceedings continue.

A convicted drug trafficker wanted in Brazil was caught hiding out in New Jersey after being released at the U.S. border.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.