The woman arrested near Boca Raton for allegedly throwing her newborn into a dumpster is in the country illegally.
News Radio 1290 WJNO has confirmed through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that a detainer has been issued against Rafaelle Sousa.
An ICE spokesman says the agency will seek to take her into custody for removal at such time as she is released from custody by the state.
Sousa was arrested Thursday night after Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies traced her to the baby girl who was found crying in the dumpster at an apartment complex. The Brazilian national told authorities that she gave birth on Wednesday and the baby wasn't breathing, so she placed her in a plastic bag with garbage and threw her into the dumpster.
The newborn is expected to be okay and is in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Sousa remains in jail, after being denied bond on Thursday.
Statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement:
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer on unlawfully present Brazilian national Rafaelle Alessandra Carvalho Sousa following her arrest for murder in Palm Beach County, Florida. ICE will seek to take her into custody following the resolution of the criminal charges she currently faces.”