BOSTON, MA — Diogo De-Sales Gomes, a 34-year-old Brazilian citizen, was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston officers in Somerville on Feb. 3. Gomes had been convicted and sentenced to prison in Brazil for drug trafficking and was the subject of an active criminal warrant issued by Brazilian authorities.
In February 2022, Gomes was convicted in the Judicial Court of Cartagina, Mina Gerais, Brazil, for his involvement in drug trafficking. He was later apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in December 2021 after entering the United States unlawfully near San Luis, Arizona. After being issued a Notice to Appear, Gomes was released on his own recognizance, pending removal proceedings. However, he failed to appear for the scheduled hearing.
Following a tip from Brazilian authorities about Gomes’ presence in the Boston area, ERO Boston initiated an investigation. Officers successfully located and arrested him without incident near his residence in Somerville.
Currently, Gomes remains in ICE custody, awaiting a hearing with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). ERO Boston plans to pursue removal proceedings against him.
ERO Boston conducts targeted operations focused on apprehending public safety threats, including criminal noncitizens and immigration fugitives. In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested over 46,000 noncitizens with criminal histories, including those involved in violent crimes such as assault, sexual offenses, and homicide.
ICE is committed to upholding U.S. immigration law, and ERO plays a crucial role in the enforcement of these laws, including the identification, detention, and removal of criminal noncitizens.
