Former Brazilian Intelligence Chief Arrested by ICE, Senator Says

Ramagem was sentenced in Brazil for role in 2023 coup attempt, now seeking asylum in U.S.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic, moody painting of a solitary figure sitting alone in a dimly lit government office, the only light coming from a window casting long shadows across the room, conceptually representing the political tensions and asylum claims surrounding the former Brazilian intelligence chief's arrest.The arrest of a former Brazilian intelligence chief in the U.S. raises questions about ongoing political tensions and the potential for asylum claims following the 2023 coup attempt.Today in Orlando

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

Why it matters

The arrest of a high-profile Brazilian political figure by U.S. immigration authorities raises questions about the ongoing political tensions in Brazil following the 2023 coup attempt, as well as the potential implications for U.S.-Brazil relations if Ramagem is granted asylum.

The details

According to the report, Ramagem, a former Brazilian lawmaker, fled the country before he would have started serving his 16-year prison sentence. Sen. Jorge Seif said he had informed the U.S. embassy in Brasilia that Ramagem should not remain in custody, as he was being persecuted at home. Ramagem appeared as in custody in ICE's online detainee database, although the specific location where he is being held was not specified.

  • Ramagem was sentenced in September 2023 for his role in the coup attempt.
  • Ramagem fled Brazil before he would have started 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 said he informed the U.S. embassy that Ramagem should be granted political asylum in the United States.

Jair Bolsonaro

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

It remains to be seen whether the U.S. government will grant Ramagem's request for political asylum, which could further strain relations between the U.S. and Brazil.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Brazil following the 2023 coup attempt, as well as the potential implications for U.S. foreign policy as it navigates requests for asylum from high-profile Brazilian figures accused of involvement in the failed coup.