Former Brazilian Intelligence Chief Arrested by ICE, Senator Says

Ramagem was sentenced in Brazil for role in 2023 coup attempt and is now seeking political asylum in the U.S.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:11am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary, shadowy figure standing alone in a dimly lit government office, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of political isolation and unease.The arrest of a former Brazilian intelligence chief by U.S. immigration authorities exposes the ongoing political tensions and crackdowns in the aftermath of the failed 2023 coup attempt.Today in Orlando

A Brazilian senator has revealed 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. Ramagram was sentenced in September to 16 years in prison for his involvement in the 2023 coup attempt by supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and had fled Brazil before serving his sentence.

Why it matters

The arrest of a high-profile Brazilian political figure by U.S. immigration authorities raises questions about the ongoing political tensions and crackdowns in Brazil following the failed 2023 coup attempt. Ramagem's plea for asylum also highlights the potential for political persecution of Bolsonaro allies in the aftermath of the unrest.

The details

According to the senator, Ramagem was arrested by ICE in Orlando, Florida. Brazil's federal police confirmed that a 'fugitive of the country's justice' was recently arrested in Orlando, though they did not name Ramagem specifically. Ramagem was stripped of his seat in Brazil's congress in December as a result of his conviction in the coup case.

  • Ramagem was sentenced to 16 years in prison in September 2026 for his role in the 2023 coup attempt.
  • Ramagem fled Brazil before he would have started serving his sentence.
  • Ramagem was arrested by ICE on an unspecified date in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Alexandre Ramagem

The former chief of Brazil's intelligence agency who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in the 2023 coup attempt against the Brazilian government.

Jorge Seif

A Brazilian senator who revealed Ramagem's arrest by ICE and is pleading for him to receive political asylum in the United States.

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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

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 in the aftermath of the failed 2023 coup attempt.

The takeaway

The arrest of a high-profile Brazilian political figure by U.S. immigration authorities highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Brazil following the failed 2023 coup attempt, and raises questions about the potential for persecution of Bolsonaro allies seeking refuge abroad.