By Bill Parry
A Brazilian national wanted for armed robbery in his home country was arrested in late February in Long Island City, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Monday. Anderson Hickman, 33, was captured at an undisclosed location by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Enforcement and Removal Operations officers on Feb. 24.
Hickman was lawfully admitted to the U.S. in Nov. 2015 on a temporary visa, which was later revoked. In Oct. 2016, ERO New York officers were made aware that Hickman had been named in an arrest warrant in Brazil, indicating he was a fugitive wanted to face charges of armed robbery.
“We will not allow violent criminals to seek refuge from prosecution within our borders,” ERO New York field office director Thomas R. Decker said. “The arrest is another example of ERO’s dedication to finding these criminals and removing them from our city. Hickman will now have to answer to charges in his home country.”
According to Brazilian authorities, in Oct. 2011, Hickman, along with other members of a gang, boarded a tour bus carrying thirty three passengers and robbed them at gunpoint. They made away will all the passengers’ money, cell phones and other personal belongings.
While the Brazilian police were in pursuit, he and other members of his gang fired shots at the officers. Hickman is currently in ICE custody, without bond, pending deportation proceedings.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
