Former Brazil Intelligence Chief Arrested by US ICE

Alexandre Ramagem, the former director of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency and a former lawmaker, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The detention occurred in Florida, where Ramagem had been living in exile in recent months.

The arrest follows a September sentencing in Brazil, where Ramagem was ordered to serve 16 years in prison for his role in a 2023 coup attempt by supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Brazil’s federal police stated that Ramagem fled the country before he could begin serving that sentence.

Conflicting Accounts of the Arrest

You’ll see conflicting reports regarding the circumstances that led to the detention. Brazil’s federal police issued a statement on April 13, 2026, claiming the arrest of a Brazilian fugitive convicted by the Brazilian Supreme Court in Florida was the result of international police cooperation between Brazil and the United States in the fight against organized crime.

However, journalist Paulo Figueiredo, an ally of Jair Bolsonaro, disputed this version of events. Figueiredo claimed that the detention was not the result of cooperation between the two nations, but rather occurred after a traffic stop, which subsequently led to Ramagem being referred to ICE.

Figueiredo further stated that Ramagem possesses legal status in the United States and has a pending asylum request currently under review. He noted that Immigrex, a company in which he is a partner, is providing legal representation for the former intelligence chief.

Political Appeals and Asylum Requests

Brazilian Senator Jorge Seif has publicly advocated for Ramagem’s release and the granting of political asylum. Seif stated on April 13, 2026, that he informed the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia that Ramagem should not remain in custody because he is facing persecution in Brazil.

The political persecution against President Bolsonaro, his sons and his allies is now hitting an elected lawmaker in foreign soil

Sen. Jorge Seif

Seif indicated that documentation provided to the U.S. Embassy outlines the reasons justifying political asylum for Ramagem and his family.

Background and Recent Activity

Ramagem served as the General Director of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency under the administration of Jair Bolsonaro. His legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government, which led to the 16-year sentence handed down by the Brazilian Supreme Court.

While in the United States, Ramagem has remained active in political and security circles. In March 2026, he attended a security forum held at a Trump golf resort in Miami.

According to the ICE online detainee database, Ramagem appeared as being in custody as of April 13, 2026, although the specific location of his detention was not disclosed.

While Brazil’s federal police confirmed the arrest, they have not specified whether a formal request for extradition has been filed with U.S. Authorities.