Brazilian police combat illegal immigration to USA
On Monday morning (June 5), the Brazilian federal police started to execute seven search and seizure warrants, three preventive arrest warrants, and one temporary arrest warrant against suspects involved in a criminal organization that promotes illegal migration to the United States.
The group is believed to be responsible for facilitating the crossing of 250 Brazilians, including 100 minors, through the Mexican border. Along with the risks of the treacherous desert journey and criminal activities, the immigrants' families were also subjected to threats if they failed to pay the agreed amounts.
The significant number of children involved in these criminal activities is a result of a scheme that exploits the difficulty of accommodating illegal children in the United States. The accused are kept at liberty while undergoing legal proceedings. Known as "cai-cai," this practice involves an adult accompanied by a child surrendering to authorities if caught on foreign soil, with the expectation of being able to remain in the United States throughout the legal proceedings.
The warrants were issued by the Federal Court of Governador Valadares in the state of Minas Gerais, which also ordered the freezing of approximately BRL 26 million. Police agents are carrying out the warrants in three cities in Minas Gerais and in Guarulhos, in the state of São Paulo.
The suspects will face charges for promoting illegal migration, including children and adolescents, as well as criminal association. If convicted, they could serve up to 14 years in prison.
