President’s Department of Homeland Security Responds to Media Reports
After significant media coverage regarding the arrest of a 13-year-old boy by ICE, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is clarifying the situation surrounding his alleged gang ties and claims of threatening violence against another student.
Various headlines emerged, detailing how the boy, from Massachusetts, was apprehended by ICE following an encounter with local police. Reports indicated that he is now far from home, raising public concern.
DHS officials revealed that the boy, Artur Yuri de Almeida Silva Berto, is suspected of being involved with the 33 gang and has a history of various complaints filed with the Everett Police Department. These complaints included incidents of vandalism, trespassing, theft, and participating in organized shoplifting events.
Berto was arrested on October 9 after a classmate reported him for allegedly showing a gun on school property and expressing intentions to use it against another student. According to police reports obtained, he stated he was going to “shoot him.”
Following this report, local authorities located Berto at a bus stop and discovered a knife concealed on him. Subsequently, federal law enforcement was informed, leading to ICE officers taking Berto into custody. He was then transferred to a juvenile detention center in Virginia.
Documents from immigration court indicate that ICE classified Berto as a “threat to public safety” due to his criminal history and gang associations. He reportedly entered the U.S. illegally with his family in September 2021 but was released to live in the U.S. under conditions set by the current administration.
Earlier charges against him date back to mid-2024, when he was found among gang members during a disturbance. In a series of incidents, he faced multiple charges, including theft and property damage. In one instance, he was seen on video stealing bicycles and a cell phone, leading to more formal charges.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation, emphasizing the serious nature of Berto’s alleged actions and stating that he poses a significant public safety threat. McLaughlin noted that under the leadership of the current administration, efforts are being made to restore order and safety in communities.
