ICE Boston, federal partners arrest fugitive convicted of murder in Brazil

MILFORD, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with federal law enforcement partners from the FBI, apprehended a Brazilian fugitive wanted by authorities in his native country to serve a sentence following his conviction for murder. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston arrested Fernando Antonio Vieira-Martins, 34, in Milford May 1.

“Fernando Antonio Vieira-Martins murdered someone in his home country and attempted to subvert justice by fleeing to the United States. He represents a significant hazard to the residents of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “While some in New England may be perfectly fine with criminal alien offenders settling in our communities, ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our law-abiding public by arresting and removing such criminal alien threats to our neighbors.”

Brazilian authorities convicted Vieira-Martins June 29, 2022, for murder, and sentenced him to 24 years and nine months in prison. He fled Brazil after that conviction.

Vieira-Martins illegally entered the United States March 9, 2023, near Calexico, California, without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

On May 10, 2023, Brazilian authorities issued a criminal arrest warrant for Vieira-Martins for failure to serve a sentence for a murder conviction.

Since his May 1 arrest, ICE has held Vieira-Martins in custody, where he will remain pending removal proceedings.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.