A Brazilian national accused of commanding two foreign terrorist organizations has been taken into custody in North Carolina after allegedly attempting to escape a traffic stop while holding his wife hostage.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, known as Don, on June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, during a joint operation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement, according to The Post Millennial. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Aquilla is wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion and is the subject of an international arrest warrant.
Authorities allege that Aquilla previously served as a commander for Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), two powerful Brazilian criminal syndicates that the Trump administration designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by transnational gangs that exploit weak borders and lax enforcement to infiltrate the United States.
Law enforcement intelligence indicated Aquilla was preparing to flee to Mexico and was holding his wife against her will at the time of his arrest. According to DHS, he attempted to evade officers during a traffic stop, triggering a vehicle pursuit that ended only when he crashed into stopped traffic and then tried to escape on foot before being captured.
A search of his vehicle allegedly turned up multiple cell phones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun, suggesting a mobile criminal operation rather than a simple traffic violation. During a subsequent interview with investigators, Aquillas wife confirmed she had been held against her will, according to DHS.
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. "By removing a known leader of violent foreign terrorist organizationswanted for serious crimes including criminal association and extortionwe have prevented further harm to innocent people here and abroad."
Aquilla was booked into county jail and now faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest, while HSI pursues federal charges for an alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against him, and DHS has acknowledged that Aquilla entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location, a stark reminder of the national security risks created by unsecured borders and inadequate immigration controls.
Login