ICE detains Brazilian murder convict in Massachusetts days before Healey signs ICE limits

Immigration and Customs Enforcement captured Maycon Souto Dos Reis, a 54-year-old Brazilian with a 14-year aggravated-murder sentence, during an Aug. 3 operation at Westborough District Court in Massachusetts. He had fled Brazil after his conviction and crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in June 2024, subsequently being released under earlier immigration policies. The seizure came just two days before Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act, legislation that removes ICE from courthouses, schools, child-care centers, hospitals and other public facilities while tightening safeguards for detained parents.

ICE officials, including Acting ERO Boston Field Office Director David Wesling, cited the case to argue that many undocumented individuals pose public-safety risks despite lacking U.S. criminal records. The man was initially flagged after a May 29 traffic-related arrest in Southborough. He is now held by ICE while deportation proceedings move forward. The agency also referenced actions by President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin in its statement.