Inside ICE: Volume 2, Issue 19

ICE, Brazilians Break Human Smuggling Ring

MIAMI, Fla. — ICE, the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF), and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) announced September 14 that a 16-month international human smuggling investigation culminated with the arrests of 48 individuals linked to an international smuggling ring operating out of Brazil and stretching as far as Miami, Mexico City, Amsterdam, and Bangkok.

More than 600 DPF officers in Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Governador Valadares and Ipatinga in Brazil conducted the operation. In addition to the arrests, more than 100 search warrants were executed in various locations in these cities.

The individuals arrested included officers from the DPF, Brazilian Customs, airline personnel and others thought to be part of an organization that had been smuggling foreign nationals in and out of Brazil and onward through Mexico to the United States.

“Uncovering and halting criminal activities that, if left unchecked, would threaten the national security of the U.S., Brazil and other nations is and will continue to be a top priority for our agency,” said Jesus Torres, Special Agent-in-Charge of ICE in Miami. “The success of this international operation exemplifies our willingness and commitment to assist countries around the globe in their fight against crime.”

“This case is a classic example of how international police cooperation can lead to the dismantling of major human smuggling organizations, said Julio Velez, ICE Attaché in Brazil. “The cooperation received in this case from the Brazilian Federal Police is a testimony to the fantastic relationship developed between our two governments.”

The ICE Attaché in Mexico, the Spanish National Police, the German National Police, and the Dutch and Bolivian National Police assisted in the investigation.

Back to Top

ICE Helps Recover Masterpieces

ICE Nabs Three At Nuke Plant

ICE Response To Katrina Unprecedented

ICE Deports Bank Robber To Eritrea

ICE, Brazilians Break Human Smuggling Ring

Senate Witness on Hawalas Sentenced for Running One

Federal Grand Jury Indicts 12 for Marriage Scam, Smuggling

ICE, CBP Donate Seized Clothes to Hurricane Katrina Victims

Special Response

Receive the latest ICE newsletter twice a month right to your inbox. Simply enter your information below.

Inside ICE is an e-newsletter produced by the ICE Office of Public Affairs to inform the public about the mission, operations and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Please send comments and contributions to Russ Bergeron, Editor.

425 I St NW
Washington, D.C. 20536
Attn: Office of Public Affairs
Russ Bergeron, Editor
Phone: 202-514-2648
Fax: 202-514-1776
Russ.Bergeron@dhs.gov