Federal immigration agents captured Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, the leader of two foreign terrorist organizations, after a car chase in Mooresville, North Carolina, on June 5. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Aquilla, who is from Brazil and in the U.S. illegally, crashed into stopped traffic and fled on foot before being apprehended by agents. He is wanted in Brazil for criminal association and extortion charges.
Aquilla previously commanded Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), which the State Department classifies as violent criminal organizations. Intelligence indicated that he was holding his wife hostage while preparing to flee to Mexico. During an interview, she confirmed that she had been held against her will.
Authorities found multiple cell phones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun in Aquilla's vehicle. Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North and South Carolina, stated that the arrest reflects HSI's commitment to community safety. Aquilla faces state felony charges for fleeing arrest and may face federal charges for possession of a firearm by an alien and kidnapping. A detainer has been lodged with the county jail for his deportation proceedings.