Summary
Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former head of intelligence and ally of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, was released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in the United States. Ramagem fled Brazil to avoid a 16-year prison sentence for his role in an attempted military coup after Bolsonaro’s 2022 election loss and is wanted for extradition by Brazilian authorities.
Key Facts
- Alexandre Ramagem led Brazil’s intelligence agency (Abin) and was close to former President Jair Bolsonaro.
- He was sentenced in Brazil to 16 years in prison for involvement in a failed military coup to keep Bolsonaro in power.
- Ramagem fled to the US in September 2025 before prison authorities could arrest him.
- The US agency ICE detained Ramagem but later released him without publicly explaining why.
- Brazilian courts have declared Ramagem a fugitive and requested his extradition from the US.
- Bolsonaro’s son thanked US leaders including President Donald Trump for their support and mentioned asylum for Ramagem.
- President Lula of Brazil stated Ramagem should return to Brazil to serve his sentence.
- Ramagem is also accused of spying illegally on Bolsonaro’s critics, which he denies.
