Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence agency chief, has been arrested in the United States by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ramagem, who fled Brazil before beginning a 16-year prison sentence for his role in a 2023 coup attempt, is reportedly seeking political asylum.
Sen. Jorge Seif stated he informed the U.S. embassy that Ramagem is being persecuted in Brazil. Ramagem appeared in ICE's online detainee database, with his location unspecified. Brazil's federal police confirmed ICE detained a "fugitive from Brazilian justice" convicted of armed criminal association, attempted coup d'etat, and attempted violent abolition of the rule of law.
Ramagem, a former police officer and ex-lawmaker, lost his congressional seat following his conviction. He commanded Brazil's intelligence agency, ABIN, under former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro himself is serving a 27-year sentence for the conspiracy. Reports indicate Ramagem left Brazil via Guyana, bypassing immigration controls, and entered the U.S. on a diplomatic passport. Brazil formally requested his extradition in December. Ramagem is also under investigation for allegedly leading an illegal spying operation.