Alexandre Ramagem, former Brazilian spy chief sentenced to over 16 years for a coup attempt and a fugitive in the US since late 2025, was detained Monday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Orlando, Florida. While Brazilian Federal Police cite immigration violations amid an extradition request, ally Eduardo Bolsonaro claims it stemmed from a minor traffic stop and expects quick release amid Ramagem's asylum bid.
Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ), ex-federal deputy and director-general of Brazil's intelligence agency (Abin) under Jair Bolsonaro, fled Brazil after his September 2025 Supreme Court (STF) conviction to 16 years and one month for leading an armed group plotting a coup d'état following the 2022 election. He escaped clandestinely via the Guyana border from Roraima state, arriving in Miami around November 2025 with his family. His parliamentary mandate was cassated in December alongside Eduardo Bolsonaro's, prompting Justice Alexandre de Moraes to reopen a related case on January 8, 2023, riots and advance extradition via Brazil's Justice Ministry.
On April 13, 2026, ICE detained Ramagem in Orlando. Federal Police chief Andrei Rodrigues stated it involved immigration issues, aligning with Brazil's ongoing extradition efforts. However, Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), living in the US since February 2026, posted video calling it a routine 'detention' from an expired driver's license during a traffic check, unrelated to extradition. 'Good expectation he will be released to continue his asylum process at liberty,' Eduardo said, predicting approval.
Ramagem's defense, per Deputy Bia Kicis (PL-DF), confirmed the traffic violation trigger. Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) decried it as political persecution, foreseeing US asylum recognition. PL figures Sóstenes Cavalcante and Cabo Gilberto echoed support, slamming Brazil's STF as authoritarian.
