Former Brazil spy chief freed from US ICE detention, ally and source say

Alexandre Ramagem, the former head of Brazil's intelligence agency, has been freed from immigration detention in the United States, according to reports from an ally of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and a source within Brazil's federal police. Ramagem had been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this week. His departure from Brazil followed his conviction for alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government alongside Bolsonaro.

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Former Brazilian intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem was freed from immigration detention in the United States on Wednesday, according to an ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a source from Brazil's federal police.

The news of Ramagem's release was first shared by Paulo Figueiredo, a far-right Brazilian commentator based in the US, who posted on X, "Alexandre Ramagem is free." A check of ICE's online detainee locator also confirmed that Ramagem was no longer listed. However, ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment, and Reuters has been unable to independently verify Ramagem's current immigration status in the United States.

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Ramagem, who fled Brazil in September following his conviction for plotting a coup with Bolsonaro, had been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday.

Ramagem's situation highlights the complex legal and political entanglements following the tumultuous period in Brazilian politics. His flight from Brazil and subsequent detention in the US underscore the international reach of these political disputes. The lack of immediate clarity on his immigration status leaves his future in the US uncertain, pending further information from US authorities.

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"Alexandre Ramagem is free," Paulo Figueiredo, a far-right Brazilian commentator based in the US, said on X.