Brazilian voter in ICE costume charged with election intimidation

A Brazilian voter dressed as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent caused a disturbance at a Miami polling site, leading to his arrest on felony charges. The incident occurred on Sunday during early voting for the Brazilian presidential election at Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus, where Brazilians living abroad could cast their ballots.

Plainclothes detectives with the Department of Homeland Security observed 46-year-old Danilo Alves Silva pacing aggressively around the site while using a radio. He approached several people, who appeared fearful he was interfering with the election or threatening deportation. Silva was confronted by a voter and a person with a camera and responded aggressively before his arrest.

He later admitted to detectives that his official-looking outfit was a 'prop costume' purchased on Amazon. Silva stated he had first voted while wearing a Brazilian jersey, then returned to his car to change into the ICE costume to record people's reactions. He claimed he was not breaking any laws, but his actions created a clear potential for voter intimidation given the political climate and the number of foreign citizens voting.

Charges and Legal Response

Danilo Alves Silva faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to election interference and threats to law enforcement. He was charged with three felonies: voter intimidation, conspiracy to commit bribery, and influencing a public servant. He also faces misdemeanor counts for unlawful use of police insignia and disorderly conduct.

While in custody, Silva threatened the arresting detective, stating he would regret the decision and come after him and everyone on the scene. He also attempted to bribe the officers. According to the police report, Mr. Silva said: "I will get you paid if you let me go. We will pay you money, but you have to let me go first."

The college’s chief of security issued Silva a formal trespass warning, barring him from returning to Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus.

Bond and Release

Silva was released on bond after being held at a correctional center pending his next court appearance. Court records show he was released on a $150 bond on Tuesday. He had previously posted a $5,650 bond to secure his release from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19.