Homeland Security Investigations said the man, a former commander of two groups the U.S. has designated as foreign terrorist organizations, was arrested after a traffic stop and chase in North Carolina
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said its Homeland Security Investigations division arrested a Brazilian national in North Carolina this month who the agency described as a leader of foreign criminal organizations and who was allegedly holding his own wife against her will.
According to ICE, agents from HSI Greensboro and HSI Charlotte, along with law enforcement partners, conducted a traffic stop on June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, on a man the agency identified as Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, also known as “Don.” ICE said Aquilla has an international warrant in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion.
The agency said Aquilla previously served as a commander of two groups, Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, which DHS said have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. ICE said law enforcement intelligence indicated he was holding his wife against her will as he prepared to flee to Mexico.
ICE said Aquilla tried to drive away from the traffic stop, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when he crashed into stopped traffic. He then attempted to flee on foot before being arrested, according to the agency. ICE said a search of his vehicle turned up numerous cell phones, laptops, money, and a 9mm handgun, and that during an interview his wife confirmed she had been held against her will.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from dangerous international criminals,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North and South Carolina. Zito said removing what he called a known leader of violent organizations had prevented further harm to people in the U.S. and abroad, and credited agents working alongside state and local partners.
ICE said Aquilla was taken to the county jail, where he faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest. The agency said HSI is also pursuing charges of alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, and that ICE has lodged a detainer on him. According to ICE, the operation was assisted by HSI New England, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mooresville Police Department.
