Full Breakdown
Man Arrested for Impersonating ICE Agent at Miami Polling Site
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Miami-Dade County detectives arrested 46-year-old Danilo Alves Silva after he walked the polling locations for a Brazilian presidential election at Miami-Dade College’s Kendall Campus wearing a blue “ICE raid” jacket, hat, sunglasses, tactical boots and a mask. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Silva approached voters, many of whom appeared “in fear” that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer was interfering with the election and could threaten deportation. When a photographer confronted him, Silva and the photographer argued, prompting deputies to intervene.
Legal Charges
Silva was charged with prohibited intimidation or suppression of voters, conspiracy to commit bribery, threatening a public servant to influence performance, and unlawful use of a police badge or insignia. He has not entered a plea and remains held on bond; attorney information was not immediately available.
Background and Context
The incident occurred at a polling site set up for Brazilian nationals voting in their home country’s presidential election. It unfolded just weeks before the U.S. midterm elections, a period already marked by heightened concern over voter intimidation at polling places.
Official Statements & Responses
Alina Garcia, Miami-Dade County’s supervisor of elections, emphasized that ICE and other law-enforcement agents will not be present inside any county polling site. She urged voters not to let fear or misinformation deter participation.
“Do not let fear, rumors or misinformation keep you from participating in your democracy,” — Alina Garcia
Verbatim Quote
- “Do not let fear, rumors or misinformation keep you from participating in your democracy,” — Alina Garcia