The families of Daniel San Mourão Almeida and Raiane Samira dos Santos are seeking a legal declaration of death after their disappearance five years ago during an illegal attempt to cross into the United States from Mexico.
Five years ago, Daniel San Mourão Almeida, 31, and Raiane Samira dos Santos, 23, disappeared while attempting an illegal crossing to the United States. Their families, hailing from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, have initiated legal proceedings to have them declared dead, as they have not received any news regarding their whereabouts since March 2021, when they reportedly embarked on a boat that eventually sank according to the Federal Police. The families are motivated by a sense of unresolved grief and the legal complexities arising from their loved ones' prolonged absence.
Marcelo Alves Neves, the attorney representing the families, has stated that under Brazilian law, if a person is missing for more than three years without any news, their family can request a declaration of presumed death. This legal action aims to provide the grieving families a pathway to resolve ongoing legal issues related to the missing individuals, such as the division of assets and other responsibilities that remain in limbo due to their presumed living status. The situation underscores the emotional toll and the complex legal circumstances that arise from disappearances linked to illegal migration attempts.
Despite the legal proceedings, the case continues to highlight the broader issues related to illegal migration between countries and the personal tragedies that often accompany such perilous journeys. The continued activity of Daniel and Raiane's tax identification numbers reflects their legal status yet adds to the families' frustration as they grapple with the reality of their absence in a legal sense. This case not only seeks to advance toward emotional closure but also to address unresolved logistical challenges for the families involved.
