Federal immigration agents captured the leader of two foreign terrorist organizations, who is accused of holding his own wife hostage after a chaotic car chase.
Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, who goes by the moniker “Don,” led Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents on a chase through Mooresville, North Carolina, on June 5 before he crashed into stopped traffic and took off on foot, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Monday.
The agents eventually caught up to Aquilla, who was swiftly taken into custody. Aquilla, who hails from Brazil and is in the United States illegally, is wanted in his home country for criminal association and extortion charges.
Aquilla previously served as the commander of two U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), according to DHS. The State Department classifies the groups as “two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil,” saying they’ve “orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials, and civilians.”
Law enforcement intelligence indicated that Aquilla was holding his own wife hostage as he was preparing to flee to Mexico, DHS said. During an interview with authorities, Aquilla’s wife confirmed that she had been held against her will.
Agents found numerous cell phones, laptops, money, and a 9mm handgun while searching Aquilla’s car.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from dangerous international criminals,” Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North and South Carolina, said in a statement. “By removing a known leader of violent foreign terrorist organizations—wanted for serious crimes including criminal association and extortion—we have prevented further harm to innocent people here and abroad.”
“Our agents, working alongside dedicated state and local law enforcement partners, acted swiftly and decisively to ensure this individual will no longer threaten the safety of our neighborhoods. HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger our communities and bring them to justice,” Zito added.
Aquilla snuck across the border at an unknown time when he entered the United States.
The illegal immigrant faces state felony charges of fleeing to elude arrest. Federal authorities are also hoping to hit him with federal charges of alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping.
ICE has lodged a detainer with the county jail holding Aquilla, asking them to eventually hand him over for deportation proceedings.
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