U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have taken custody of a Brazilian national who was earlier charged with assault and battery on a family member in Massachusetts. The individual, Weliton Pires-Dos Santos, aged 39, was apprehended in Framingham on January 26.
"Weliton Pires-Dos Santos illegally came to this country and refused to abide by our laws," stated Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston. "Pires victimized a family member and presents a threat to the residents of our Massachusetts communities. ICE stands committed to prioritizing the safety of our public by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods."
The U.S. Border Patrol initially detained Pires on November 30, 2021, upon his illegal entry into the United States near San Luis, Arizona. Pires was issued a notice to appear and was subsequently released on his own recognizance. On November 20, 2023, the Framingham Police Department arrested him for assault and battery on a family member. An immigration detainer was lodged against Pires by ICE on the same day, but the Framingham Police Department released him from custody, declining to honor the detainer.
Following his recent arrest, Pires remains in ICE custody. The public is encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities through the hotline at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by submitting an online tip. Further details on ICE’s efforts to improve public safety can be found on their social media handle, X: @EROBoston.
