Alexandre Ramagem, former head of Brazil's intelligence agency ABIN, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in what Brazilian authorities are calling an international police cooperation effort. The former intelligence chief, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in an alleged coup attempt, fled Brazil before beginning his sentence.
Background
Ramagem, 53, commanded Brazil's main intelligence agency ABIN under former President Jair Bolsonaro. In September, he was convicted by Brazil's Supreme Court of armed criminal association, attempted coup d'état, and the attempted violent abolition of the rule of law. The conviction stemmed from his alleged involvement in a conspiracy by Bolsonaro supporters to overturn the 2022 election results. After losing his seat in Congress in December as a consequence of his conviction, Ramagem reportedly fled Brazil via the border with Guyana, bypassing immigration controls, and entered the United States on a diplomatic passport.
Brazil's federal police formally requested Ramagem's extradition in December. Local media reported he left Brazil before he would have begun serving his sentence.
In a separate case, Ramagem is under investigation for allegedly leading a criminal group that carried out illegal spying on behalf of Bolsonaro and his inner circle using Israeli surveillance software. Federal police have recommended charges against Ramagem and approximately 30 others, including former president's son Carlos Bolsonaro, in connection with this probe.
The Investigation
Brazil's federal police confirmed Monday that ICE had detained "a fugitive from Brazilian justice following his conviction for the crimes of armed criminal association, attempted coup d'etat, and the attempted violent abolition of the rule of law." The statement did not mention Ramagem by name but said the unnamed fugitive was recently sentenced by Brazil's top court for the same three counts as his conviction.
Sen. Jorge Seif, a Bolsonaro ally, informed the U.S. embassy in Brasilia that Ramagem should not remain in custody, arguing he was being persecuted at home. Seif submitted documentation "showing all the reasons that justify and defend the concession of political asylum to Ramagem and his family."
Ramagem appeared in ICE's online detainee database, though his specific location was not disclosed. His lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Former ABIN chief Alexandre Ramagem arrested by ICE in the United States
- Sentenced to 16 years in September for role in alleged coup attempt by Bolsonaro supporters
- Brazil formally requested extradition in December 2025
- Convicted of armed criminal association, attempted coup d'état, and attempted violent abolition of the rule of law
- Separate investigation ongoing into alleged illegal spying operation using Israeli surveillance software
- Senator Jorge Seif is advocating for political asylum, claiming persecution
What's Next
Ramagem remains in ICE custody while his immigration status is processed. His attorneys are expected to pursue his political asylum claim, arguing he faces persecution in Brazil. Brazil's government will likely continue pursuing extradition proceedings through diplomatic channels. The asylum process could take months or years, during which Ramagem would remain in the United States. Bolsonaro ally Paulo Renato Figueiredo stated that Ramagem has a pending asylum application and expressed confidence he would be released.
Ex-president Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for his role in the same conspiracy. His son Flavio Bolsonaro is set to face off against President Lula in October elections, with recent polls showing a tight race.
The case highlights the ongoing international fallout from Brazil's January 2023 coup attempt and the legal battles involving key figures in Bolsonaro's inner circle.