HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Brazilian asylum seeker detained by ICE reunites with daughter undergoing cancer treatment

Apr 16, 2026·Location: Sewickley, PA

Country of origin: Brazil

Brazilian asylum seeker detained by ICE reunites with daughter undergoing cancer treatment
Photo via CBS News

Bruno Guedes da Silva, a Brazilian man who fled to the U.S. in 2022 seeking asylum, was detained by ICE agents in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on February 21, 2026, despite possessing valid work authorization, a Social Security number, and a driver's license. ICE cited a warrant for felony charges related to firearms and falsification of documents, though those criminal charges were later dropped related to allegedly lying about his immigration status on a firearm purchase application in July 2024. His 6-year-old daughter, Maria, began chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma shortly after his detention. Da Silva was held at Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville, West Virginia, until a judge granted him bond on immigration charges in April 2026, allowing him to reunite with his daughter.

Timeline

Apr 16, 2026—Judge grants bond on immigration charges; criminal charges related to firearm application dropped; released from ICE custody and reunites with daughter
Feb 21, 2026—Detained by ICE agents in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on warrant for felony charges related to firearms and document falsification
Feb 21, 2026—His 6-year-old daughter Maria begins chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
Feb 21, 2026—Held at Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville, West Virginia
Jul 1, 2024—Bruno Guedes da Silva allegedly falsifies information about immigration status on firearm purchase application
Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

More incidents in Pennsylvania