Brazilian Green Card Holder Detained by ICE Upon Return to U.S.

Diogo Fickert Passos Fidal, a Brazilian permanent resident of the United States, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Miami International Airport on August 19, despite presenting a valid Green Card. According to his family, the arrest was linked to a 2015 administrative issue involving unemployment benefits. At the time, Diogo received two out of three payments from a government assistance program while already employed — a situation classified as administrative fraud. Years later, he resolved the case by paying a $4,000 fine and believed the matter had been closed.

Transferred Without Hearing, Health Concerns Raised

After spending a month in a detention center in Miami, Diogo was transferred to Texas before he could present his defense. His family claims he was once again denied the opportunity to appear in court, as ICE allegedly failed to transport detainees to a scheduled hearing, which was ultimately canceled. Compounding the situation, Diogo suffers from an autoimmune condition and, according to relatives, is not receiving adequate medical care while in custody.

Next Hearing Set for December 11

A new court date has been scheduled for December 11. Meanwhile, Diogo’s family continues to seek legal support and public attention for the case. The incident raises broader concerns about the treatment of legal immigrants in the U.S. and the challenges they may face even when their documentation is in order.