DHS Alleges Boy Once Detained by ICE Has Gang Ties

A 13-year-old boy’s detention by ICE has ignited public concern, with the Trump administration asserting that the youngster is affiliated with a criminal gang.

Authorities report that Arthur Yuri De Almeida Silva Berto was apprehended on October 9 in Massachusetts after a classmate accused him of displaying a concealed firearm on school grounds.

According to court documents, the classmate claimed Berto, a Brazilian national, was seeking out a student he had previously clashed with, threatening to “shoot and kill” him. Upon his arrest, officials discovered a 5-inch Milwaukee knife in Berto’s possession.

The arrest has come under scrutiny, especially after the boy’s mother spoke to the media, revealing that they have an ongoing asylum case.

The teenager’s mother expressed her devastation to the Boston Globe, stating her “world collapsed” upon learning her son had been transferred to ICE’s Burlington facility.

But the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement on Thursday saying the teen is a suspected member of the ’33’ gang and has 11 prior police complaints that include breaking and entering, vandalism, theft, fighting and ‘flash mob’ style shoplifting.

Little is known about the so-called ’33 gang’ and the DHS gave no additional information about it other than to say it was a Brazilian crime ring. 

The teen was transferred to ICE custody after ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations determined he was a ‘public safety threat,’ Fox News Digital reported.

Berto entered the US with his family in September, 2021, through the Arizona border, officials said. 

The teen’s contact with police began in June, 2024, when he was allegedly found with known gang members after officers responded to a disturbance report.

The next month Berto was observed on video stealing two bicycles and a cellphone, according to police. 

Last March, after other contact with police, Berto was determined by police to be a ‘high-risk juvenile.’

Berto was allegedly caught on video in May taking part in a 33 gang ‘flash-mob-style’ shoplifting incident at a convenience store. 

‘Here are the facts: This individual and suspected gang member posed a public safety threat with an extensive rap sheet, including violent assault with a dangerous weapon, battery, breaking and entering and destruction of property,’ DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

‘Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, federal law enforcement is restoring common sense and law and order to our streets. This public safety threat will stay in juvenile detention pending further proceedings.’

Berto’s mother Josiele Berto declined to comment on the teen’s alleged criminal record when interviewed by CNN. 

‘Regardless of the nature of the allegations, they remain just that – allegations – and every individual is entitled to due process of law,’ said the family’s lawyer Andrew Lattarulo.

‘That principle applies even more strongly to a minor who is far below the age of legal consent.’

ICE in Massachusetts has arrested multiple teens as part of what the Trump administration has called Operation Patriot 2.0.