Brazilian jiu-jitsu teacher Thiago Brito was detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 11 days ago, as reported by the gym where he teaches classes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The institution, Tri State Kickboxing and MMA, reported on its social networks that Thiago, a black belt with ten years of teaching there, was intercepted at the airport on July 24th while preparing to travel to Orlando, Florida, for a tournament that would include the school’s participation.
A fundraising campaign was launched to cover the costs of the immigration court process, including legal fees and filing fees, as well as compensate for the teacher’s lost income. Of the target set at US$35,000, the initiative has already managed to raise almost US$29,000, reaching 83% of the total amount.
The text accompanying the kitty describes Thiago as someone who “built his life in the United States” for more than a decade, working “hard” and “positively impacting countless students” with his passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The message highlights your generosity and commitment to helping others.
Four days earlier, on the Instagram platform, the academy published a post showing handwritten letters from its young students. The messages expressed an emotional appeal for the teacher’s release.
This material, which includes personal testimonies from American citizens about Thiago’s character, will be an important component in his immigration process. In situations of ICE detention, the presentation of community ties and evidence of good character is a relevant factor that can influence decisions about bail or relief from deportation, aiming to avoid extradition of the teacher.
The post on social media guides interested parties to speak out, stating that “your voice matters” and that, if Thiago Brito made a difference in someone’s life, “now is the time for you to make yourself heard”.
Mix Vale contacted the United States Immigration and Customs Service (ICE) seeking clarification about the arrest, however, did not receive a response at the time of writing this report.
