A recent case has sparked outrage in migrant communities and human rights defenders in the United States. Guilherme Lemes Cardoso E Silva, a 35-year-old Brazilian artist, was arrested by ICE agents while picking up his daughter from school in Friday Harbor, north of Seattle, Washington.

Despite being in the process of obtaining permanent residency, with valid documents, he was intercepted by plainclothes officers, which has generated strong criticism for the way he was treated.

According to The Daily Beast, the arrest occurred on Friday, July 11, without him being shown a clear warrant or explaining the reason for the detention. The family has denounced that it was a disproportionate action, since Guilherme has no criminal record and lives legally in the country.

Arrest in the middle of a family routine and without a criminal record

Rachel Leidig, the detainee's wife and pregnant, reported to NBC News that her husband was intercepted by an unidentified vehicle while he was going to pick up his four-year-old daughter from another marriage. "They treated him like a criminal," he said, emphasizing that he has a valid work permit, driver's license, and Social Security number.

The family maintains that Guilherme's immigration process was ongoing and that the detention was an unjustified surprise.

The case has gone viral not only because of the circumstances, but because of the human context: a young family with a young daughter and a baby on the way. Cardoso was transferred to a detention center in Tacoma, where, according to his wife, he faces precarious conditions, overcrowding, and limited access to basic services.

According to Leiding, Gui, as she affectionately calls him, was close to moving to Sausalito, California, with her. For this reason, he had filed Form I-130, or a "petition for alien relative."

Concern over new ICE strategies in the U.S.

This case is part of a broader trend. According to The Daily Beast, ICE has intensified operations even against people without criminal records, as part of a tougher immigration strategy. The situation has sparked community support: a fundraising campaign has raised more than $66,000 to cover the family's legal expenses.

Leiding and her family are preparing for a bail hearing set for July 29, where they will seek her release and ensure that she can continue the process of obtaining a green card. Additionally, Rachel continues to submit documents to her immigration attorney in the hopes that this will serve as a solid basis for renewing her legal status.

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