Pro-Trump influencer claimed that ICE targets only “crooks” — now he finds himself in detention
A Brazilian social media personality who supports Trump and previously dismissed immigration raids as an issue solely for “crooks” is now encountering the very enforcement he publicly minimized. Júnior Pena, whose legal name is Eustáquio da Silva Pena Júnior, was apprehended by ICE agents in New Jersey over the weekend. The right-wing influencer had earlier expressed clear support for Donald Trump and advocated for the former president’s assertive immigration policies to his substantial online audience.
“I support Donald Trump – I like the guy,” Pena stated in a video shared with his followers on TikTok and Instagram, where he portrays himself as documenting “the reality of the United States” from a migrant’s perspective.
Pena previously encouraged Brazilians to remain calm in response to reports of immigration raids. He dismissed those being detained by asserting, “But they’re all crooks.” The entire group.
On Saturday, that confidence met with reality. Pena was reportedly taken into custody and moved to Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility located in Newark. A friend informed the Brazilian Times that the arrest came after a court appearance was missed. Andrew Lattarulo, his lawyer, has been diligently working to resolve the case and prevent a potential transfer to another state.
Pena has resided in the United States since 2009 and hails from Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, an area known for its strong migration connections to both the US and Europe. His content frequently highlights migrant narratives while simultaneously criticizing Brazil’s leftwing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and supporting former far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, a recognized ally of Trump.
The estimated two million Brazilian residents in the US have faced significant effects due to Trump’s immigration policies. Last year, the deportations of Brazilians hit a record high of 2,785, an increase from 1,640 the previous year.
As news of Pena’s detention circulated, critics inundated his Instagram comments. “You backed Trump, and ultimately, you faced the repercussions,” one user stated. Another remarked, “What goes around comes around.”
Meanwhile, the influencer’s friends shared messages urging followers to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
