Former Brazil Intelligence Chief Arrested by ICE in Florida

Lula Calls for Deportation of Ramagem, Convicted of Coup Plot

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:37pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and fractured lines in shades of blue, grey, and black, conceptually representing the political tensions surrounding the arrest of a former Brazilian intelligence official.The arrest of a former Brazilian intelligence chief accused of plotting to overturn the 2022 election highlights the ongoing political turmoil in the country.Today in Miami

Alexandre Ramagem, the former director of Brazil's intelligence agency ABIN, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida on April 13, 2026. Ramagem is a fugitive from the Brazilian justice system, having been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in a failed plot to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office following the 2022 election.

Why it matters

The arrest of Ramagem is part of a wider crackdown on the conspiracy to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election results. The former intelligence chief's legal troubles highlight the ongoing political tensions in Brazil following Lula's victory and the efforts to hold accountable those involved in the failed coup attempt.

The details

Ramagem, 53, served as the head of ABIN under the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro. After the 2022 election, he was implicated in a conspiracy to maintain Bolsonaro in power. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in September 2025, but he fled the country before authorities could execute the arrest. Ramagem avoided Brazilian immigration controls by illegally crossing the border into Guyana in September 2025 and then traveled to the United States using a diplomatic passport.

  • Ramagem was sentenced to 16 years in prison in September 2025.
  • Ramagem fled Brazil and crossed into Guyana in September 2025.
  • Ramagem was arrested by ICE in Florida on April 13, 2026.

The players

Alexandre Ramagem

The former director of Brazil's intelligence agency ABIN, who was convicted of attempted coup d'etat, armed criminal association, and the attempted violent abolition of the rule of law.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

The current President of Brazil, who has called for Ramagem's deportation to serve his 16-year prison sentence.

Jair Bolsonaro

The former President of Brazil, who Ramagem served under and was implicated in the conspiracy to maintain Bolsonaro in power after the 2022 election.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage our democratic institutions. Ramagem must return to Brazil to serve his sentence.”

— Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

“Ramagem's arrest was not the result of cooperation between the U.S. and Brazilian governments. He has legal status in the U.S. and a pending asylum request.”

— Paulo Figueiredo, Political Ally of Jair Bolsonaro and Partner at Immigrex

What’s next

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website confirms that Ramagem remains in ICE custody. Legal proceedings regarding his status in the United States are ongoing, and reports indicate that a custody hearing could take up to four weeks to occur.

The takeaway

The arrest of Ramagem highlights the ongoing political tensions in Brazil following Lula's election victory and the efforts to hold accountable those involved in the failed coup attempt. The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing threats to democracy.