A Brazilian national living illegally in the United States has been indicted after allegedly creating a fake Department of Homeland Security agency and selling fraudulent identification cards that he claimed would grant buyers protection from federal immigration enforcement.
Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr., 50, was arrested last week in Ocala, Florida.
The arrest comes after Dos Santos was indicted for fraudulent use of government seals, according to federal authorities.
Prosecutors say Dos Santos created a bogus organization called the “Chaplain Emergency Management Agency,” or CEMA, which he falsely presented as a legitimate government agency.
Fake Training Program Promised ‘Immunity’ from Immigration Officers
According to the indictment, Dos Santos organized fraudulent training seminars where participants were told they could obtain official-looking credentials tied to federal law enforcement agencies.
Attendees were allegedly told the identification cards would provide “immunity” from federal immigration officers.
Participants paid $400 each to attend the training sessions.
Authorities say the scheme generated approximately $14,000 in revenue.
Graduates of the course received certificates that displayed DHS and FBI seals, along with the fabricated CEMA seal, which prosecutors say was falsely linked to FEMA.
DHS Condemns the Scheme
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson sharply criticized the alleged operation.
“This individual — a Brazilian illegal alien who overstayed his visa — did more than just break our laws,” the spokesperson revealed.
“This illegal alien brazenly defrauded our government by running a shadow agency.”
The spokesperson said federal agencies are taking the case seriously.
“We have ZERO tolerance for anyone who weaponizes our seal to build a fraudulent platform or subvert our immigration system,” the spokesperson said.
“Working with DHS — Homeland Security Investigations and the DOJ, we will ensure that those who exploit our credentials face the full weight of the law.”
Federal Agencies Investigated the Operation
The case was investigated by DHS, the FBI, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The indictment was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Authorities say Dos Santos had been living in the United States after overstaying an expired visa.
He now faces deportation proceedings.
Case Emerges Amid DHS Leadership Changes
The arrest comes as President Donald Trump recently reshaped leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.
On Thursday, Trump removed Kristi Noem from her role as DHS secretary and appointed her special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative.
Trump then announced the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to lead the department.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump Praises Mullin as ‘MAGA Warrior’
President Trump praised Mullin’s record in Congress and highlighted his strong political support in Oklahoma.
“Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma,” Trump wrote.
“A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda.”
Noem Moving to Regional Security Role
Reports suggest that Noem’s diplomatic relationships across the Western Hemisphere helped position her for the new role.
During her time at DHS, Noem worked closely with governments in countries including Chile and Argentina.
Her new position overseeing the Shield of the Americas initiative will focus on regional security coordination across the Western Hemisphere.
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