Former Brazilian Spy Chief Alexandre Ramagem Released from ICE Detention

Thu Apr 16 2026 12:51:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Alexandre Ramagem, the former spy chief of Brazil and a close ally of Jair Bolsonaro, has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention amidst legal troubles in Brazil.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's former intelligence head, has been released from U.S. ICE custody. He is wanted in Brazil, sentenced to 16 years for attempting to keep Bolsonaro in power post-election loss. Ramagem fled to the U.S. in 2025 to escape imprisonment. His release has sparked comments from Bolsonaro’s family and indications of possible political asylum.

Alexandre Ramagem, Brazil's fugitive former spy chief, 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 disclosed the reasons for his detention. His name has since been removed from the ICE custody list, indicating his release.

Ramagem is wanted in Brazil, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted military coup aimed at prolonging Jair Bolsonaro's presidency after he lost the 2022 election.

He led Brazil's intelligence agency (Abin) and fled to the US in September 2025, just before Brazilian authorities were set to imprison him.

Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, stated that the former intelligence chief was now out and home. In a social media post, he expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their involvement, labelling Ramagem a national hero under persecution.

Eduardo Bolsonaro noted that Ramagem deserved asylum in the US, referencing his plea for sanctuary in the country.

Reports from Brazilian media indicated he was released on Wednesday. However, ICE has remained silent on the specifics of his release and previous detention.

Ramagem was convicted alongside six co-conspirators, including Bolsonaro, related to the coup. He is also under scrutiny for allegedly using his intelligence position to surveil Bolsonaro's critics, which he has denied.

Brazilian authorities have declared him a fugitive, with the supreme court in Brazil requesting his extradition from the US back in December.

In a statement preceding his release, Brazilian President Lula emphasized the importance of Ramagem returning to Brazil to fulfill his prison sentence.

Trump has previously commented positively on Bolsonaro's presidency and described the allegations against Ramagem as unfair.