Brazil's former spy chief released from ICE detention

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former spy chief, has been released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being detained on Monday for undisclosed reasons. Ramagem is wanted in Brazil, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted military coup following Jair Bolsonaro's 2022 election loss. He fled to the US in September 2025 to avoid imprisonment. Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, stated that Ramagem is now "out and home," thanking Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for their handling of the situation. Ramagem reportedly requested sanctuary in the US, with Bolsonaro arguing he deserves asylum. Brazilian media reported his release occurred on Wednesday.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence chief convicted for his role in a coup plot, was detained by ICE in Florida after fleeing Brazil in September. Ramagem had been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in the 2023 coup attempt by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. He reportedly crossed illegally into Guyana before flying to the US. A far-right commentator announced Ramagem's release from ICE detention on Wednesday, which was confirmed by a source from Brazil's federal police. The Brazilian government, including President Lula da Silva, has requested Ramagem's extradition from the US to serve his sentence.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is seeking the return of former intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem from the United States after his detention by ICE in Florida. Ramagem fled Brazil in September after being sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot following Lula's victory over Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 election. Lula expressed confidence that Ramagem would be sent back to Brazil to serve his sentence. Ramagem, who previously headed Brazil's top intelligence agency, also faces allegations of spying on Bolsonaro's political rivals. The coup plot allegedly included plans to assassinate Lula.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence chief, was detained by ICE in the United States after fleeing Brazil in September. Ramagem was convicted for his role in plotting a coup to overturn Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s 2022 election victory and sentenced to over 16 years in prison. The Brazilian Federal Police stated the arrest in Orlando, Florida, was the result of cooperation between law enforcement in both countries, though ICE has not provided details of the arrest. Ramagem, who maintains his innocence, was the head of Brazil’s intelligence agency under ex-president Jair Bolsonaro and was accused of investigating Bolsonaro's critics. He also lost his seat in Congress as part of the coup case.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence chief, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida. Ramagem fled Brazil in September after being sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in power following his 2022 election loss. The Brazilian government is seeking Ramagem's extradition, having filed documentation with the US Department of State in December. While reports suggest Ramagem illegally crossed into Guyana before flying to the US, a Bolsonaro ally claims the detention stemmed from a traffic infraction and subsequent ICE referral. Ramagem reportedly has a pending asylum application and hopes to avoid deportation.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former spy chief under Jair Bolsonaro, was arrested by ICE agents in the US on Monday. Ramagem fled to the US before being sentenced to 16 years in prison for illegally using Brazil's intelligence agency to monitor Bolsonaro's political opponents. He was convicted of using spy software to track the geolocation of judges, lawmakers, journalists, and officials, and also interfered with investigations involving Bolsonaro's sons. Brazil formally requested his extradition in December, but he was detained on an immigration matter while his asylum request is under review. He was reportedly detained after a traffic stop in Orlando.