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ICE Arrests Harvard Law Professor After Anti-Semitic BB Gun Incident Outside Boston Synagogue
By Political Hub News Desk
December 4, 2025
In a major development, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Harvard Law School professor Carlos Portugal Gouvêa, a Brazilian national, after he refused to self-deport following the revocation of his visa tied to an anti-Semitic shooting incident earlier this year.
Gouvêa came under federal scrutiny after firing a BB gun outside a Boston synagogue on October 2, 2025, just one day before Yom Kippur. The professor claimed he was merely “hunting rats,” but the incident alarmed the Jewish community and sparked outrage amid rising concerns about anti-Semitic acts nationwide.
Visa Revoked After Arrest
Two weeks after the incident, on October 16, the U.S. Department of State revoked Gouvêa’s J-1 visa, citing public safety and conduct concerns. He later accepted a plea deal on November 13 for illegal use of an air rifle. Other charges—disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and property vandalism—were dismissed as part of the agreement.
Despite losing his legal status, Gouvêa initially refused to self-deport, prompting further enforcement action.
ICE Takes Him Into Custody
On Wednesday, ICE’s Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) unit arrested Gouvêa following his guilty plea. After being taken into federal custody, he agreed to voluntarily depart the United States, avoiding a formal deportation order.
DHS Responds: “No Room for Anti-Semitic Violence”
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a strong statement condemning the professor’s actions and reaffirming the administration’s stance on foreign nationals who engage in violence.
“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,” McLaughlin said. “We are under zero obligation to admit foreigners who commit these inexplicably reprehensible acts. Anyone who thinks they can come to America and commit anti-American and anti-Semitic violence should think again. You are not welcome here.”
The case has ignited intense debate across academic and political circles, with many calling for stricter immigration oversight of foreign scholars and professionals who violate U.S. laws.
Gouvêa is expected to leave the country in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ICE Arrests Harvard Law Professor Carlos Portugal Gouvêa After Synagogue BB Gun Incident
1. Who is Carlos Portugal Gouvêa?
Carlos Portugal Gouvêa is a Brazilian national and a former Harvard Law School professor who was in the United States on a temporary J-1 non-immigrant visa.
2. Why was he arrested?
He was arrested by ICE after refusing to self-deport following the revocation of his visa. His visa was revoked due to an incident where he fired a BB gun outside a Boston synagogue.
3. What incident led to his visa revocation?
On October 2, 2025, Gouvêa fired a BB gun outside a synagogue just before Yom Kippur. He claimed he was “hunting rats,” but the act was widely viewed as anti-Semitic.
4. What charges did he face?
He faced charges for:
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Illegal use of an air rifle (to which he pleaded guilty)
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Disturbing the peace
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Disorderly conduct
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Vandalizing property
The last three charges were dismissed as part of his plea deal.
5. When was his visa revoked?
The U.S. Department of State revoked his J-1 visa on October 16, 2025.
6. What happened after the plea deal?
After accepting a plea deal on November 13, ICE Boston ERO arrested him for remaining in the U.S. without valid legal status.
7. Did he agree to be deported?
He initially refused to self-deport but later agreed to voluntary departure after being taken into ICE custody.
8. What does “voluntary departure” mean?
Voluntary departure allows an individual to leave the U.S. on their own without receiving a formal deportation order, which can help avoid certain long-term immigration penalties.
9. What did the Department of Homeland Security say about the case?
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that violent acts of anti-Semitism are unacceptable and that foreign nationals who commit such acts are not entitled to remain in the United States.
10. What happens next?
Gouvêa is expected to leave the United States within the timeline established by ICE under voluntary departure rules.
11. Will he be allowed to return to the U.S.?
Voluntary departure may allow for a future return if he meets visa requirements, but given the nature of the incident and DHS comments, future entry is unlikely.
12. How has the academic community reacted?
Reactions have been mixed, with some condemning the act as dangerous and anti-Semitic, and others calling for due process. Harvard has not publicly announced long-term decisions regarding his position.
13. Was this classified as a hate crime?
Authorities have not announced official hate crime charges, but DHS has described the act as violently anti-Semitic in nature.
14. Did anyone get injured during the incident?
No injuries were reported. However, the incident caused significant fear and disruption within the local Jewish community.
15. Does this case impact other foreign scholars or students?
The case reaffirms DHS policy that foreign nationals who commit crimes—especially those involving violence or bias—risk immediate visa revocation and removal from the United States.
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