Deported Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering U.S.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FERNANDO GONCALVES DOS SANTOS, 38, a citizen of Brazil, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2023, Danbury Police arrested Goncalves, who did not have lawful status in the U.S., in connection with multiple domestic violence offenses. Goncalves was subsequently arrested by Danbury Police in March 2023 for violating a protective order, and in May 2023 for threatening and for violating a protective order. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Goncalves on June 22, 2023. On November 17, 2023, he was removed to Brazil.

Goncalves subsequently illegally reentered the U.S. In 2025, he was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court for violation of conditions of release - second degree.

ICE arrested Goncalves on a federal criminal complaint on March 27, 2026, in Bethel.

Goncalves, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 9 in Hartford, at which time Goncalves faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.