Brazil's Ex-Spy Chief Freed After ICE Detention

Mon Apr 20 2026 12:56:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Alexandre Ramagem, former head of Brazil's intelligence, was recently released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. He is wanted in Brazil over a failed military coup attempt.

Alexandre Ramagem, who served as Brazil's intelligence chief, has been released from ICE detention in the U.S. after being held for unclear reasons. Ramagem is facing a 16-year prison sentence in Brazil for his involvement in a coup attempt to keep Jair Bolsonaro in power following the 2022 election. He fled to the U.S. in 2025 and has since been declared a fugitive in Brazil. Bolsonaro's supporters continue to advocate for his asylum in the U.S., highlighting the contentious political situation surrounding him.

Brazil's fugitive former spy chief Alexandre Ramagem has been released from custody by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). ICE confirmed it had detained Ramagem on Monday, but has not said why. The 53-year-old's name no longer appears on the agency's list of those in its custody, BBC News Brasil has confirmed. He is wanted in Brazil, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in an attempted military coup aimed at keeping former President Jair Bolsonaro in power after he lost the 2022 election.

Ramagem, who led Brazil's intelligence agency (Abin), fled to the US in September 2025 before he could be jailed by Brazilian authorities. Bolsonaro's son Eduardo mentioned that the former intelligence chief was out and home. He publicly thanked U.S. leaders for their support, calling Ramagem a national hero. Ramagem’s release from ICE includes an invitation to seek asylum in the U.S., further complicating his legal and political challenges. Brazilian authorities declared him a fugitive and have requested his extradition. President Lula of Brazil stated that Ramagem should return to serve his sentence.