MILFORD — A Brazilian man suspected of firearms trafficking and murder was apprehended Tuesday in a joint operation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
Marcio De Souza E Silva, 46, of Milford, was taken into custody without incident at his Grove Street residence at approximately 12:35 p.m. on March 18.
De Souza E Silva, known as “Carioca,” was featured on Brazilian television 11 years ago for alleged gang activity and trafficking assault rifles in vehicles with false bottoms and hidden in mattresses through Brazilian shipping ports.
Authorities believe De Souza E Silva began living in Milford in 2022, though his total time in the United States remains uncertain.
“This Brazilian alien attempted to flee justice in his native country by hiding out in Massachusetts,” said ICE Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde.
De Souza E Silva was initially taken to Milford Police Headquarters before being transferred to ICE facilities for deportation processing.
Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino praised the operation, saying, “This is the evil that has lived among us. No matter which side of the aisle you stand on, we can all rest knowing that a criminal of this nature is removed from our community and our country.”
The arrest was conducted by the Milford Police Department in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
