Former Brazilian Intelligence Chief Arrested by ICE, Senator Says

Brazilian senator calls for political asylum after arrest of ex-spy chief Alexandre Ramagem

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:20am

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone government vehicle parked on a deserted city street, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of political unease and isolation.The arrest of a former Brazilian intelligence chief on U.S. soil raises concerns about ongoing political persecution of Bolsonaro's allies.Today in Orlando

A Brazilian senator has claimed that the country's former intelligence agency chief, Alexandre Ramagem, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is pleading for political asylum in the United States. Ramagem was sentenced in September 2023 to 16 years in prison for his role in the coup attempt by supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Why it matters

The arrest of a high-ranking Brazilian intelligence official on U.S. soil raises questions about the ongoing political tensions and crackdown on Bolsonaro's allies in Brazil. The senator's call for asylum suggests Ramagem may face continued persecution in his home country.

The details

According to the senator, Ramagem, a former lawmaker, fled Brazil before he was set to begin serving his 16-year prison sentence for his involvement in the 2023 coup attempt. The Brazilian federal police confirmed the arrest of a 'fugitive of the country's justice' in Orlando, Florida, though they did not name Ramagem specifically. ICE and Ramagem's lawyer have not responded to requests for comment.

  • Ramagem was sentenced in September 2023 to 16 years in prison.
  • Ramagem fled Brazil before he was set to begin serving his sentence.
  • Ramagem was arrested by ICE on an unspecified date in 2026.

The players

Alexandre Ramagem

The former chief of Brazil's intelligence agency who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in the 2023 coup attempt against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Jorge Seif

A Brazilian senator who has called for Ramagem to be granted political asylum in the United States.

Jair Bolsonaro

The former president of Brazil whose supporters were involved in the 2023 coup attempt.

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What they’re saying

“'The political persecution against President Bolsonaro, his sons and his allies is now hitting an elected lawmaker in foreign soil. In our document (to the U.S. embassy) we showed all the reasons that justify and defend the concession of political asylum to Ramagem and his family.'”

— Jorge Seif, Brazilian Senator

What’s next

The U.S. embassy in Brasilia will review the senator's request for Ramagem to be granted political asylum in the United States.

The takeaway

The arrest of a former high-ranking Brazilian intelligence official on U.S. soil highlights the ongoing political tensions and crackdown on Bolsonaro's allies in Brazil, raising questions about whether Ramagem may face continued persecution if returned to his home country.