Trump Supporter Who Defended ICE Raids Arrested by ICE in New Jersey
Brazilian influencer had claimed migrants being rounded up were all crooks; 404 Media releases surveillance zine
Júnior Pena, whose full name is Eustáquio da Silva Pena Júnior, had declared support for President Trump in a recent video to his hundreds of thousands of social media followers. He falsely claimed that migrants being rounded up, including Brazilians, were criminals deserving deportation.
Days later, ICE arrested him.
The incident comes as the Trump administration faces mounting criticism over its deportation tactics. Al Jazeera reports that official statements following an ICE-involved killing are beginning to backfire, with accusations of spin overshadowing policy.
Meanwhile, 404 Media has released a zine documenting ICE surveillance technology. Originally planning 1,000 copies, demand forced them to print 3,500. The project details how technology companies are powering the deportation apparatus.
Analysis
Why This Matters
The Pena arrest illustrates a fundamental truth about mass deportation: it doesn't distinguish between "good" and "bad" immigrants. Supporting the policy doesn't protect you from it.
Background
ICE has dramatically expanded operations since Trump's return to office. Workplace raids, home invasions, and targeted arrests have increased across the country.
Key Perspectives
Immigration advocates say the case proves the arbitrariness of enforcement. Supporters argue proper documentation would have prevented his arrest.
What to Watch
Watch for more cases of public Trump supporters caught in enforcement actions. The optics could shift public opinion.