Former Brazilian spy chief released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Former Brazilian Intelligence Chief Detained by ICE in Florida

Alexandre Ramagem, a former Brazilian intelligence chief, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida on Monday. According to Paulo Figueiredo, a far-right commentator based in the US, Ramagem’s detention was not related to an ongoing extradition request from Brazil.

Ramagem had fled Brazil in September following his conviction for plotting a coup in support of former President Jair Bolsonaro. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and stripped of his seat in Congress. Brazilian authorities have sought his extradition, but Figueiredo claims that Ramagem’s detention by ICE is unrelated to this request.

Ramagem had been living in the US on an unknown status, with a pending asylum application. His release from immigration detention was confirmed by a source from Brazil’s federal police and announced by Figueiredo on social media. As of Wednesday, Ramagem was no longer listed among people detained by ICE on its website.

The Brazilian government had filed documentation with the US Department of State seeking Ramagem’s extradition in December 2025. However, Figueiredo stated that Ramagem’s detention was a result of a routine traffic stop and subsequent referral to ICE. The circumstances surrounding Ramagem’s detention are unclear, but it is reported that he fled Brazil by crossing the border into Guyana before traveling to the US.

Ramagem’s current status remains uncertain, with the Brazilian government continuing to seek his extradition.

Source: Al Jazeera