El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken Dirlei Da Luz Da Silva, a 35-year-old Brazilian national, into custody in Long Branch, New Jersey. Da Luz is wanted by Brazilian authorities for failing to serve a sentence of 12 years and 10 months for drug trafficking-related crimes.

John Tsoukaris, Director of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office, stated, "We are committed to arresting aliens who have been involved in criminal activity, whether it be in the U.S. or overseas."

Da Luz was initially apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on March 6, 2024, near El Paso, Texas. Following his arrest, he was served with a notice to appear but was released on recognizance pending removal proceedings.

The arrest warrant from Brazil was issued in January. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisted ICE with this recent arrest. Currently, Da Luz remains under ICE custody.

Further information about ICE ERO Newark’s efforts to enhance public safety can be found on their social media account at @ERONewark.