U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Alexandre Ramagem, a former Brazilian intelligence chief and ally of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, in Florida. Ramagem was sentenced in absentia to 16 years in prison in September 2025 for his alleged role in a coup plot to keep Bolsonaro in power after the 2022 election. Brazilian authorities claim he fled the country before serving his sentence.
Current Status and Legal Claims
Ramagem’s supporters argue he has an active asylum claim in the U.S. and should not be deported. Brazilian Senator Jorge Seif, a Bolsonaro ally, claims Ramagem is facing political persecution and has requested asylum for him. The Brazilian Federal Police stated the detention was due to international police cooperation, not directly tied to his conviction.
Background and Allegations
Ramagem served as Brazil’s intelligence chief from 2019 to 2022 and was later elected to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies. He was stripped of his congressional seat in December 2025 following his conviction. Brazilian authorities allege he participated in an armed criminal organization, an attempted coup d’état, and the violent abolition of the rule of law. Ramagem was reportedly detained after a minor traffic stop in Orlando, Florida, where ICE took custody of him.
Reactions and Implications
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for Ramagem’s return to serve his sentence. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s allies argue the case is politically motivated. The detention raises questions about U.S.-Brazil cooperation and the treatment of political asylum seekers in the U.S.