Brazilian MAGA Influencer Detained by ICE After Praising Trump's Immigration Policies

A Brazilian influencer who openly supported US President Donald Trump, including his immigration policies, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Júnior Pena, known for chronicling the 'reality of the USA' for Latin American audiences on TikTok and Instagram, reportedly ran into administrative issues with a postponed immigration hearing. Despite publicly praising Trump's crackdown on immigration and claiming that only 'crooks' were targeted, Pena's detention shows how even supporters of strict policies can face the US immigration system.

Why Junior Pena Was Detained

According to the Daily Beast, Pena was taken into custody on Saturday at the Delaney Hall Detention Centre in Newark, New Jersey. Sources indicate that the arrest was linked to an administrative error. The postponement of his immigration hearing was not properly recorded, which made it appear as though he had missed the court date.

A friend told sources that this mishap caused ICE to flag him for detention.

Pena, who arrived in the US in 2009, has built a following of 1.3 million TikTok users and nearly 500,000 Instagram followers. He frequently shared content explaining life as an immigrant in America and promoting Trump's immigration policies, often reassuring his audience that only those with criminal records were being targeted.

Support for Trump and Public Statements

Pena openly voiced support for Trump's administration.

In a video posted prior to his detention, he told his followers: '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'.

This statement was intended to calm anxious viewers while reflecting his trust in Trump's immigration approach, which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promoted as focusing on 'the worst of the worst'.

However, data from the Deportation Data Project indicate that only about 28% of those detained during the crackdown had criminal convictions by mid‑October 2025, highlighting a gap between Pena's public assurances and the actual deportation statistics.

Record Numbers of Brazilian Nationals Deported

Pena's detention comes amid historically high deportation numbers.

Brazil's Federal Police reported that 2,268 Brazilian nationals were deported from the US in 2025, the highest since records began in 2020. These figures have amplified debates about immigration enforcement policies and the accuracy of public claims regarding who is targeted.

Following his arrest, Pena's lawyer, Andrew Lattarulo, is reportedly working to prevent his transfer to another state, keeping him at the Newark facility while proceedings continue. Meanwhile, friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal costs and court fees. As of Monday, the fundraiser had reached its £26,000 ($32,000) target. Organiser Jorge Saboia emphasised the importance of the donations: 'Every dollar will make a real difference in ensuring Junior has the best chance possible to resolve his case and return to the community he's always supported'.

Social Media Reacts to Pena's Arrest

Pena's detention has provoked jokes online, with many observers citing the irony of a Trump supporter facing consequences from the very policies he promoted.

Some commentators labelled his public praise for the administration as 'self-sabotage', while others warned that portraying the American 'dream' as guaranteed under strict immigration rules can be misleading.