ICE Newark arrests heavily armed illegal alien who overstayed visa by 9 years

NEWARK, N.J. — ICE Newark and CBP officers arrested a Brazilian alien whose tourist visa expired April 16, 2016, and who was illegally carrying a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, an airsoft gun and a large knife in his vehicle Aug. 9 in Cinnaminson.

Officers initially encountered Daniel Firmino Dos Santos Vicente during a routine immigration enforcement operation and discovered the weapons in his vehicle after his arrest.

“When our officers discovered firearms and a large knife in plain view on the center console of the vehicle, they were faced with the startling reality of how quickly our daily mission could take a dangerous, life-threatening turn,” said acting ERO Newark Field Officer Director Ruben Perez. “Every day, these dedicated professionals confront potential danger in volatile and unpredictable situations. They’re facing a staggering 1,000% increase in assaults, and we must remain vigilant and prepared for worst-case scenarios during every operation."

Firmino, who’s now facing federal criminal charges for being an alien in possession of a firearm, entered the United States in Detroit on Oct. 17, 2015, with a tourist visa that expired April 16, 2016. His failure to depart by that date made him illegally present. He’s currently in ICE custody at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in Elizabeth pending removal proceedings.