Alleged Terror Suspect Crashes Car During ICE Arrest

This month, an individual suspected of terrorism reportedly crashed his vehicle into stopped traffic while attempting to escape from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This act has raised concerns about the safety of many Americans.

Felipe Linares de Oliveira del Aquila, described as a “criminal illegal immigrant from Brazil,” allegedly took his wife hostage. There’s also evidence suggesting he was associated with a foreign terrorist organization, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.

“This man is not a friend of America, not our people, not a friend of anyone in this country.”

On June 5, law enforcement officers were busy with a traffic stop in Mooresville, North Carolina, when Aquila reportedly attempted to flee. After crashing, his wife informed police that he had held her hostage as she attempted to escape to Mexico. Authorities found several laptops, cell phones, cash, and a 9mm handgun in the car.

“This man is a friend of America, a friend of the people, a friend of no one in this country,” stated Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell regarding the arrest. He added, “He didn’t know we were actively searching, but seeing the car made him uncomfortable. And of course we were already poised to make an arrest.”

Aquila is currently in county jail facing charges for evading arrest, along with possible kidnapping and firearms charges related to his immigration status.

ICE has also filed a motion to keep Aquila detained. It’s still unclear when he entered the U.S.

At 40 years old, Aquila has a court date set for July 2, yet he has been denied bail due to a deportation order.

DHS claims Aquila was previously a commander of two notorious gangs in Brazil, Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, and has active arrest warrants for extortion and criminal association in his home country.

InSight crime expert Stephen Dudley commented that these gangs are among the largest in South America, heavily involved in drug and human trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering, which, in turn, impacts the U.S.

Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for North Carolina and South Carolina, emphasized, “This arrest demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from dangerous international criminals.” He added that by removing a known leader of a violent terrorist organization, they were able to prevent further harm to innocent people.