Illegal immigrant wanted for rape deported after capture in Connecticut: 'Posed a threat'

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (TND) — Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced Monday the deportation of a Brazilian migrant wanted for rape in his home country.

The individual, 40-year-old Marcos Dos Santos, was admitted to the U.S. by Border Patrol officials in March 2022. Dos Santos then “violated the terms of his admittance," ICE said.

In February, deportation officers arrested the migrant in Bridgeport, Conn. and served him a notice to appear in immigration court. An immigration judge ruled in March for Dos Santos to be removed from the U.S. He was deported to Brazil in May.

Marcio Dos Santos attempted to flee a rape charge in Brazil by hiding out in Connecticut,” ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons said. “He posed a threat to the residents of our community, and we could not allow that to continue. The men and women of ERO Boston are the best in the business at finding noncitizens who don’t want to be found. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing the most egregious noncitizen offenders from New England.”

ICE is responsible for identifying and assisting in the removal of wanted fugitives staying in the U.S. illegally. The agency announced earlier this month the arrest of an illegal Ecuadorian migrant wanted on charges of raping a minor and invasion of privacy in his home country. ICE also announced the arrest of two MS-13 gang members — one in New York City who is wanted for murder and another in Maryland.

Immigration continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing candidates in the 2024 presidential election. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in June President Biden’s “tough” border policies are "working" despite deep skepticism from Republicans.

“The individual who is responsible for a heinous criminal act is the criminal and we need to bring the full force of the law to bare on that criminal,” the secretary added.

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