ICE arrests Brazilian national in North Carolina after vehicle pursuit and crash
Federal agents detained Felipe Linares de Oliveira Dell Aquilla on June 5 after a vehicle pursuit in Mooresville, North Carolina. Authorities say he previously commanded two organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
Fox NewsImmigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Felipe Linares de Oliveira Dell Aquilla on June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, after he led officers on a vehicle pursuit that ended when he crashed into stopped traffic, Fox News reported. Dell Aquilla, a Brazilian national, entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
He was preparing to leave the country for Mexico at the time of his arrest.
Law enforcement intelligence indicated Dell Aquilla was holding his wife against her will while plotting his escape. Investigators later interviewed his wife, who confirmed she had been held against her will. Dell Aquilla previously served as a commander within the Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, two Brazil-based criminal organizations designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the Trump administration, Fox News reported.
He was wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion. He fled, crashed into stopped traffic, and attempted to escape on foot before officers took him into custody.
A search of Dell Aquilla's vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple cellphones, laptops, cash, and a 9 mm handgun. He faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest. HSI is pursuing additional federal charges of kidnapping and being an alien in possession of a firearm.
ICE has lodged a detainer on Dell Aquilla. Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of HSI in North and South Carolina, said the arrest demonstrates HSI's commitment to protecting communities from dangerous international criminals.
