ICE arrests alleged foreign terrorist leader in North Carolina car chase

FIRST ON FOX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Brazilian illegal immigrant, who authorities say previously served as the commander of two designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, after allegedly attempting to flee a North Carolina traffic stop while preparing to escape to Mexico.

Felipe Linares de Oliveira Dell Aquilla, known as “Don,” was arrested June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, after allegedly leading law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash before his arrest, according to a Department of Homeland Security press release obtained by Fox News Digital.

Federal authorities say Dell Aquilla was wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion and had been preparing to leave the United States for Mexico.

Dell Aquilla previously served as a commander within the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), two Brazil-based criminal organizations that were recently designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the Trump administration, according to DHS.

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“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 an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital.

“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,” Zito said.

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Law enforcement intelligence indicated Dell Aquilla was holding his wife against her will as he plotted his escape to Mexico. Authorities said investigators later interviewed his wife, who confirmed she had been held against her will.

Investigators said Dell Aquilla led authorities on a pursuit after officers initiated a traffic stop. The chase ended when he crashed into stopped traffic and allegedly attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple cellphones, laptops, cash and a 9 mm handgun, according to DHS.

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“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,” Zito said.

“HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger our communities and bring them to justice.”

Dell Aquilla was transported to a county jail and faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest. HSI is pursuing additional charges of kidnapping and being an alien in possession of a firearm, according to DHS. ICE has also lodged a detainer on him.

Dell Aquilla illegally entered the United States “at an unknown date and location,” according to federal authorities.

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HSI Greensboro and HSI Charlotte worked alongside HSI New England, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the Mooresville Police Department in the operation.