Immigration uncertainty is once again a concern for the Hispanic community in the U.S. following the arrest of Brazilian citizen Juan Vita Leite Pinto, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the Memorial Day 2025 weekend while on a sightseeing trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The immigrant had a valid work permit, a Florida state ID and was scheduled for his first Green Card interview.
The case has caused alarm among hundreds of immigrants in regular or pending immigration status, as it shows that having valid documents does not guarantee protection from immigration raids. Leite Pinto, who works as an agricultural harvester in the west of the country, was detained even though he presented his valid documents.
Documents were not enough
Buzzy
His partner, Ricardo Domínguez, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, reported that days before the arrest, the two had visited the Hoover Dam without incident.
However, during the tour of Grand Canyon National Park, immigration officials stated that the state ID and work permit were not sufficient proof of Leite Pinto’s immigration status.
After being intercepted, he was transported to the Eloy Detention Center in Eloy, Arizona, where he remains in ICE custody.
Although full details of the arrest are not yet known, his partner has launched a GoFundMe campaign .
This is to raise funds to cover the costs of a legal defense.
This is because the U.S. immigration system does not guarantee free legal assistance to detained immigrants.
Legitimate process interrupted
Juan Vita Leite Pinto first entered the U.S. in 2012, then returned to Brazil and came back four years ago on a visitor’s visa.
She subsequently initiated a legal process to adjust her status after marrying her legal resident partner.
The work permit granted was part of that legal process.
His first official appointment with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) was upcoming at the time of his arrest.
He was detained despite presenting his valid documentation
This case is not isolated.
In 2025, organizations such as the American Immigration Council and AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) continue to report ICE detainers of immigrants in active legal proceedings.
This poses significant legal and emotional challenges for many migrant families.
Advice for migrants in the process of legalization
Always carry complete copies of the immigration file
Consult with an attorney specialized in immigration
Avoid long trips without prior legal advice.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
