Sewickley Man Arrested by ICE While Daughter Battles Cancer

Family says Bruno Guedes da Silva was taken into custody without warning while on his way to work.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Sewickley, Pennsylvania man named Bruno Guedes da Silva was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday morning while on his way to work. Guedes da Silva's family says he and his wife were seeking asylum from Brazil, and that his 13-year-old daughter is currently battling Hodgkin's lymphoma. ICE claims Guedes da Silva had a warrant for felony firearms and false statement charges, though his family and an immigration attorney say he had a valid work authorization.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, especially when it involves families with medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. The case raises questions about ICE's tactics and the impact on vulnerable communities.

The details

According to family representatives, Guedes da Silva was pulled over by a black SUV and taken into custody by ICE agents on Sunday morning as he was heading to work. ICE says he had a warrant for felony firearms and false statement charges, though his family and an immigration attorney claim he had a valid work authorization. Guedes da Silva's wife is now caring for their children, including their 13-year-old daughter who is battling cancer.

  • Guedes da Silva was arrested on Sunday, February 25, 2026.
  • Last month, another Pittsburgh-area father, Jose Flores, was also arrested by ICE while getting ready to take his daughter to school.

The players

Bruno Guedes da Silva

A Sewickley, Pennsylvania man who was arrested by ICE while on his way to work. His family says he and his wife were seeking asylum from Brazil, and that his 13-year-old daughter is battling cancer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that arrested Guedes da Silva. ICE claims he had a warrant for felony firearms and false statement charges, though his family and an immigration attorney say he had a valid work authorization.

Joseph Murphy

An immigration attorney who is not working with Guedes da Silva, but commented on the case, saying the arrests of fathers are intended to cut off income to families and force them to leave the country.

Chris Deluzio

A Congressman who said Guedes da Silva had a work authorization, though ICE claimed that did not confer legal status.

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What they’re saying

“This is the last thing somebody in that position needs, to have their life interrupted in that way, unilaterally with very little options.”

— Joseph Murphy, Immigration Attorney

“I believe the thinking is to send dad back and maybe they will follow him back home. It also has the convenient effect of avoiding the kids in cages problem because you don't have to detain the family.”

— Joseph Murphy, Immigration Attorney

“From a sociological perspective, it's chaos.”

— Joseph Murphy, Immigration Attorney

What’s next

Sewickley Borough Council plans to address the situation at a meeting on Tuesday night, where community members are expected to voice their concerns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, especially when it involves families with medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. It raises questions about ICE's tactics and the impact on vulnerable communities.