ICE just pulled an alleged foreign terror commander off the streets in North Carolina.
The Department of Homeland Security identified the man as Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, also known as “Don.”
DHS says Aquilla is a Brazilian illegal alien who previously served as a commander of Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho.
Both groups have been designated foreign terrorist organizations.
FOREIGN TERRORIST ARRESTED.@HSI_HQ alongside law enforcement partners in North Carolina arrested Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, a criminal illegal alien from Brazil.
Aquilla previously served as the commander of Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho… pic.twitter.com/T48ajIySPJ
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 15, 2026
The arrest happened June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, according to DHS.
HSI Greensboro, HSI Charlotte, and local law enforcement partners conducted the traffic stop.
DHS says Aquilla had an international warrant in Brazil for criminal association and extortion.
Investigators also said he was preparing to flee to Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security described the case this way:
Law enforcement intelligence indicated that he was holding his own wife against her will as he was preparing to flee to Mexico.
That last line is where the story gets even darker.
DHS says law enforcement intelligence indicated Aquilla was holding his wife against her will.
The agency says she later confirmed in an interview that she had been held against her will.
Then came the chase.
DHS says Aquilla tried to flee the traffic stop in his vehicle, crashed into stopped traffic, and then tried to run away on foot.
Officers arrested him shortly after.
Authorities also searched the vehicle.
DHS says they recovered numerous cell phones, laptops, money, and a 9mm handgun.
Fox News reported the escape angle this way:
wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion and had been preparing to leave the United States for Mexico.
This is the kind of arrest that explains why interior enforcement matters.
A man DHS says was tied to two foreign terrorist organizations was allegedly living inside the United States illegally, with a firearm in the vehicle and a detainer now lodged by ICE.
Under President Trump, the border fight means stopping new illegal crossings.
It also means finding the dangerous people already inside the country and removing them before they hurt more Americans.
DHS says Aquilla now faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest.
HSI is also pursuing firearm and kidnapping charges, according to the agency.
That is the part too many politicians in Washington would rather avoid.
Every one of these arrests is a reminder that immigration enforcement is public safety.
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