Philadelphia, PA – A 20-year-old citizen of Brazil with no legal status in the United States has been charged with forcibly assaulting and interfering with a federal officer after allegedly attempting to escape custody in Philadelphia. The charges against Enmanuel Fernandes-Calixto, also known by the aliases “Emanuel Fernandes” and “Emanuel Bartholomew,” were announced on April 8, 2025, by United States Attorney David Metcalf in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to the criminal complaint, Fernandes-Calixto is accused of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with an officer of the United States while the officer was engaged in the performance of official duties. The incident allegedly occurred on or about April 2, 2025.
Alleged Incident During Transport
The complaint details that on the day of the alleged assault, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Officer had arrested Fernandes-Calixto in Philadelphia for immigration violations. While being transported, the defendant allegedly attempted to escape from custody.
During this alleged escape attempt, Fernandes-Calixto is accused of attempting to strike the ICE officer and succeeding in pushing the officer. Following this confrontation, he allegedly escaped from custody.
Apprehension in Northeast Philadelphia
The escape prompted an immediate search. Fernandes-Calixto was ultimately apprehended later that evening in Northeast Philadelphia. The successful re-apprehension was carried out with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team, according to the complaint.
Prior Legal Encounters
The criminal complaint also highlights Fernandes-Calixto’s alleged prior interactions with law enforcement in Philadelphia. He had reportedly been arrested for other offenses in the city previously. These prior arrests include separate cases stemming from alleged incidents in August 2024.
Among the charges in those earlier cases were strangulation and related offenses, as well as aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and related offenses. The complaint notes that despite an ICE detainer being in place, Fernandes-Calixto was released from Philadelphia custody in March 2025, shortly before the alleged assault on the federal officer.
Federal Custody and Investigation
Following his arrest on the federal charge, Fernandes-Calixto has been ordered detained in federal custody. He will remain detained pending indictment and trial in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The case is currently under investigation by ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. This prosecution falls under the umbrella of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing violent crime and ensuring public safety.
