Immigration Attorney Says Suspect In MAGA Hat Case Here Legally

FALMOUTH, MA – An attorney representing Rosiane Santos in immigration-related matters says she is in the United States legally and in the process of obtaining a green card. The lawyer told the Cape Cod Times Santos is married to a U.S. citizen and has a green card application pending.

Santos has a lengthy history of driving violations since getting her license in 1996, but has not been convicted of anything that would prevent her from getting a green card, her attorney claims.

Federal immigration authorities detained and later released the 41-year-old East Falmouth resident Tuesday. In an emailed statement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Santos is an "unlawfully present citizen of Brazil" and is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge.

Santos was charged following an altercation at a Mexican restaurant in Falmouth earlier this month. She pleaded not guilty last week to charges of disorderly conduct and assault and battery and was released on her own recognizance.

Santos is accused of accosting a man over a "Make America Great Again" hat at Casa Vallarta Feb. 15. Police said the man recorded her as she walked behind him and hit the hat off his head. Santos, who appeared to be intoxicated, said the man should not be allowed to eat at a Mexican restaurant, according to police.

As officers escorted her out, she hit the man over the head again, police said. A bartender who works at the restaurant told reporters the assault was unprovoked.

The attorney who spoke to the Times about Santos's immigration status is not representing her in the assault case.

Previously: Woman Charged In MAGA Hat Dispute Facing Deportation

Falmouth Woman Accused Of Assault Over MAGA Hat