Brazilian Pro-Trump Influencer Detained by US Immigration Authorities
A prominent Brazilian social media influencer who publicly endorsed former US President Donald Trump's stringent immigration policies has been detained by US immigration authorities, in a development that highlights the complexities of the American immigration system. Júnior Pena, whose full legal name is Eustáquio da Silva Pena Júnior, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday in New Jersey, according to reports from Brazilian media outlet Brazilian Times.
Background and Online Presence
Pena is widely recognized for his vocal pro-Trump stance and for creating content that depicts life in the United States as an immigrant. He has amassed a substantial online following, with approximately 1.3 million followers on TikTok and nearly 500,000 on Instagram. Through his platforms, he frequently shared videos describing the "reality of the USA" and openly expressed support for Trump's immigration crackdown, which targeted Latin American immigrants during the initial months of his second term.
Reason for Detention
Sources indicate that Pena's detention stemmed from an administrative issue related to an immigration hearing. The hearing had been postponed, but this change was not accurately recorded in the system. Consequently, authorities incorrectly marked Pena as absent when he failed to attend, leading to his arrest. He is currently being held at the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, while his attorney, Andrew Lattarulo, works to prevent his transfer to another state.
Contradictory Statements and Public Reaction
In previous videos, Pena reassured his Brazilian audience that only criminals were being targeted for deportation under Trump's policies. He stated, "I wanted to tell you not to be so scared, there are many people scared. There are many influencers spreading fear among immigrants without having facts, evidence, or proof that so-and-so was deported." He further claimed that those detained were "crooks," a stance that now contrasts sharply with his own situation.
His detention has ignited strong reactions across social media, with many users accusing him of "self-sabotage" and criticizing him for promoting an unrealistic version of the American dream. In response, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover his legal and court expenses, successfully reaching its $32,000 goal by Monday.
Broader Context and Statistics
Trump's immigration crackdown has had significant repercussions, including the deaths of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, which sparked protests against ICE in several states. Additionally, a December report citing Brazil's Federal Police revealed that 2,268 Brazilian nationals were deported from the United States in 2025, marking the highest number since data collection began in 2020.
Pena, who arrived in the US in 2009, now faces an uncertain future as his case unfolds, underscoring the unpredictable nature of immigration enforcement and the potential consequences of publicly aligning with political policies that may later impact one's own status.
