A Brazilian businessman who has lived in the United States for 15 years was detained by ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents on January 28, in Massachusetts. Maximiano Fernandes, 40 years old, is from Porto Alegre and owner of Stow Cafe, according to Democratic Senator Jamie Eldridge.
In a post on social media, Eldridge stated that he and state representative James Hogan provide support to Fernandes’ family. “We thank everyone who alerted us to the ICE arrest of Max, owner of Stow Cafe,” he wrote.
To the newspaper The Boston GlobeDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Fernandes was detained for overstaying his tourist visa. According to her, the Brazilian will remain in ICE custody pending immigration procedures.
The Stow police reported, in a note published on social media, that they did not participate in the arrest and that they do not take part in immigration actions.
Maximiano opened Stow Cafe in May 2011 and the location is registered in his name. Before opening the establishment, he and a partner worked together at another restaurant in the region. The businessman is married to a Brazilian woman and is the father of 3-year-old triplets, as well as a teenager. He is also the stepfather of a teenager.
The detention comes amid the intensification of ICE operations during the administration of President Donald Trump, which has targeted actions at illegal immigrants, including in cities considered “sanctuaries”. DHS states that agents can detain people suspected of being undocumented without the need for a court warrant.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not disclose information about possible consular assistance to the Brazilian before the publication of this report.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/02/05/ice-prende-empresario-brasileiro-que-vivia-ha-15-anos-nos-eua/
