ICE nabs Brazilian drug trafficker
Arrest comes in longtime sanctuary city
A 34-year-old illegal immigrant wanted for drug trafficking in Brazil has been arrested by ICE officials in Somerville, a longtime sanctuary city.
Diogo De-Sales Gomes was arrested earlier this month after immigration agents arrested him for being a fugitive after he was convicted and sentenced to prison in Brazil for drug trafficking, according to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston.
“The trafficking of illicit substances is a global epidemic that has affected many of our communities in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons.
Lyons added: “The arrest of Mr. De-Sales Gomes removes a convicted narcotics trafficker from the public before he could potentially inflict further harm on our residents. Our officers continue to proudly fight against the illegal narcotics epidemic to ensure the safety of those we serve.”
In December 2021, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended De-Sales Gomes near San Luis, Arizona, after he crossed the border illegally. He was issued a Notice to Appear and released on his own recognizance pending removal proceedings — but he disappeared.
Brazilian authorities notified ERO Boston of his suspected whereabouts in Somerville.
Somerville has been a sanctuary city since 1987 with limited cooperation with federal immigration laws and officials. Amherst, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Concord, Newton, and Northampton are also sanctuary cities to various degrees.
In fiscal year 2022, ERO arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal histories; this group had 198,498 associated charges and convictions. These included 21,531 assault offenses; 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses; 5,554 weapons offenses; 1,501 homiciderelated offenses; and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.