ICE Arrests Harvard Law School Professor Following Anti-Semitic Shooting Outside of a Synagogue

On October 2, 2025, Gouvea, a citizen of Brazil, was arrested after he fired a BB gun outside of a synagogue the day before Yom Kippur. Gouvea said he was "hunting rats."

On October 16, the Department of State revoked Gouvea's visa. On November 13, Gouvea accepted a plea deal on the charge of illegal use of the air rifle while his other charges for disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and vandalizing property were dismissed.

Following his guilty plea, ICE Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Gouvea on Wednesday, and he agreed to voluntarily depart the United States rather than be deported.

"It is a privilege to work and study in the United States, not a right. There is no room in the United States for brazen, violent acts of anti-Semitism like this. They are an affront to our core principals as a country and an unacceptable threat against law-abiding American citizens," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "We are under zero obligation to admit foreigners who commit these inexplicably reprehensible acts or to let them stay here. Secretary Noem has made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and commit anti-American and anti-Semitic violence and terrorism should think again. You are not welcome here."

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