Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
On October 9, 2025, the Everett Police Department in Massachusetts arrested a 13-year-old Brazilian national on charges related to dangerous weapons. The teenager was allegedly found with a handgun and a knife measuring between five and seven inches. According to the police report, the teen showed another student the firearm and stated an intention to "shoot and kill" another student.
Following the arrest, local authorities notified federal law enforcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Boston took custody of the teen on the same day. By October 10, 2025, ICE had transported him to the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Winchester, Virginia.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement addressing what it described as misleading media coverage about this case. According to DHS, “Here are the facts: this individual and suspected gang member posed a public safety threat with an extensive rap sheet, including violent assault with a dangerous weapon, battery, breaking and entering, and destruction of property. According to the police report, he showed the handgun in his waistband to another student and said was planning on killing a fellow student,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia Mclaughlin.“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, federal law enforcement is restoring commonsense and law-and-order to our streets. This public safety threat will stay in juvenile detention pending further proceedings.”
Authorities noted that Everett Police had previously filed 11 complaints against this individual for various offenses such as shoplifting in groups described as ‘flash mob’ style thefts, underage alcohol consumption, breaking and entering, vandalism, theft, fighting, among others.
Court records indicate that on May 14, 2025, Middlesex County Juvenile Court arraigned the teen for knowingly receiving stolen property as well as breaking and entering and malicious destruction of property. While on pre-trial probation in July 2025, he faced additional charges for assault and battery—including with a dangerous weapon.
According to DHS statements about his immigration history, the teen entered the United States illegally near San Luis, Arizona on September 24, 2021 with family members. He was released into the country under policies implemented by the Biden Administration.
