Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Maycon Souto Dos Reis, a Brazilian national convicted of aggravated murder in his home country, during targeted operations in Massachusetts on August 3. The arrest took place two days before Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act into law on August 5, a measure that restricts immigration enforcement activities in the state.
Dos Reis, 54, was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison in Brazil on September 14, 2024, following his conviction for aggravated murder. According to ICE, he fled Brazil and crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in June 2024. He was apprehended at the border but subsequently released into the United States under policies in place at the time.
"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," stated David Wesling, acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston Field Office Director. "We will continue to pursue these dangerous criminal aliens that sanctuary politicians fight to protect."
The PROTECT Act, signed by Governor Healey, prevents ICE from conducting enforcement actions in courthouses, schools, child care centers, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. The law also enhances protections for parents facing detention or deportation, prohibits new 287(g) agreements, and allows civil rights claims against government officials, including ICE agents.
"The PROTECT Act is the strongest law in the country to protect people from ICE, because no one should be afraid to send their child to school, seek medical care or fear reporting a crime or appearing in court," Healey said in a statement. "It makes us all less safe. So we are getting ICE out of our courthouses, schools and hospitals."
Dos Reis initially came to the attention of ERO Boston after being arrested on May 29 for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in Southborough, Massachusetts. ICE officials stated that Dos Reis had been residing in Massachusetts, a state that has been a focal point for conflicts between state and federal immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE has not provided further details regarding the aggravated murder case in Brazil, including the date of the offense or the specific circumstances of the conviction. Dos Reis remains in ICE custody, awaiting deportation proceedings. ICE reiterated its stance that individuals who enter the country illegally and violate its laws will be apprehended and deported.