Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Brazilian national, Rafael De Jesus-Ribeiro, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of illegally reentering the United States after deportation. The 39-year-old was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien following his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 13, 2025. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at an unspecified future date.
The indictment alleges that De Jesus-Ribeiro was previously deported from the United States on July 17, 2019. After this removal, it is claimed he unlawfully returned to the country without authorization.
If convicted of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, De Jesus-Ribeiro could face up to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Additionally, he may be fined up to $250,000 and will undergo deportation proceedings upon serving any sentence imposed. Sentencing decisions are made by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah Foley alongside Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director for Boston's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins from the Major Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that the details provided in the charging documents are currently allegations; Rafael De Jesus-Ribeiro remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
