By admin 
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An alleged member of two terrorist organizations who was holding his wife hostage has been arrested after a traffic stop in Mooresville, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
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On June 5, local and federal law enforcement agencies conducted a traffic stop on Felipe Aquilla, aka “Don,” who is an alleged criminal living in the United States illegally. Officials said Aquilla has an international warrant from his home country, Brazil, for charges of criminal association and extortion.
Aquilla led officers on a pursuit that ended when he crashed into stopped traffic. He then allegedly ran before being arrested shortly after. Aquilla’s car was searched, where cell phones, laptops, money, and a 9mm handgun were found.
According to DHS, Aquilla previously served as the commander of Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, which are foreign terrorist organizations. Law enforcement determined that he was holding his own wife hostage as he was preparing to flee to Mexico, which she later confirmed in an interview with authorities.
“This guy is no friend of America, nor our citizens, nor anybody else in this country,” said Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell. “He didn’t know we were actively looking for him, but once he seen a car, he got uncomfortable. And of course, we were already in position to do the arrest.”
Steven Dudley with InSight Crime is an expert on gang activity in South America. He says the two organizations Aquilla is accused of leading have a minimal presence in the United States, but believes he might have been in the US to build cover.
“They traffic drugs. They are involved in human trafficking, human smuggling, contraband, local drug peddling, etc. The United States has a big appetite for drugs. There is a lot of money laundering that happens in the United States,” said Dudley.
Aquilla was taken to the Iredell County jail, where he faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest. Homeland Security Investigations is also pursuing charges of an alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping. Officials said ICE has lodged a detainer on Aquilla.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from dangerous international criminals,” Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North and South Carolina, said. “By removing a known leader of violent foreign terrorist organizations wanted for serious crimes including criminal association and extortion—we have prevented further harm to innocent people here and abroad. Our agents, working alongside dedicated state and local law enforcement partners, acted swiftly and decisively to ensure this individual will no longer threaten the safety of our neighborhoods. HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger our communities and bring them to justice.”
It is unknown where and when Aquilla first entered the United States.