Brazilian Lawmaker Claims US Safe Harbor, Cites Trump Administration Support Amid Coup Plot Investigation
A convicted Brazilian federal deputy, Alexandre Ramagem, has publicly stated he is “safe” in the United States and operating with the “consent” of the Donald Trump administration, marking the first time he has addressed his whereabouts since fleeing Brazil in September. The revelation comes as authorities continue to investigate a coup plot and following the recent preventative arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Ramagem, a member of the Liberal Party (PL-RJ), made the claims during a Sunday interview with blogger Allan dos Santos on the “Conversa Timeline” program. Dos Santos himself is a fugitive from Brazilian justice, having been on the run since 2021.
According to Ramagem, he has been “embraced” by the previous Republican administration. He characterized Bolsonaro’s arrest, which occurred the day prior to the interview, as “the consummation of all political persecution” and the “conclusion of all this scoundrel,” a pointed reference to the rulings of Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court.
Flight to the US and Investigation
Ramagem’s flight from Brazil in September followed a series of escalating legal challenges related to the alleged coup plot. A report by PlatôBR detailed his current residence in a luxury condominium in Miami, Florida, alongside his wife. Brazilian Federal Police have traced his escape route, indicating he likely traveled through Boa Vista (RR), potentially crossing into Venezuela or Guyana before ultimately reaching the United States – all without registering an official departure.
The clandestine nature of Ramagem’s departure prompted Minister Alexandre de Moraes to issue an arrest warrant for the congressman. This decision followed a request from the Federal Police, who cited Ramagem’s non-compliance with court-imposed measures and his flight abroad despite a second-instance conviction in the coup attempt case.
Official Response and Legal Maneuvering
The Chamber of Deputies has confirmed it did not authorize any official travel for Ramagem outside of Brazil. The House reported that the deputy submitted medical certificates covering September 9th to October 8th and again from October 13th to December 12th, ostensibly justifying his absence from legislative duties. However, the president of the Chamber, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Brazilian Federal Police are actively monitoring Ramagem’s movements within the United States and are exploring avenues for international legal cooperation to secure his return to Brazil.
A Pattern of Escape
Minister Moraes, in the preventative detention order for former President Bolsonaro, highlighted a concerning “modus operandi” among allies attempting to evade criminal liability. Moraes specifically named Eduardo Bolsonaro, now facing charges in the Supreme Court, alongside Ramagem and Carla Zambelli, both of whom have already been convicted. The judge argued that the coordinated, clandestine departures demonstrate a deliberate strategy of fleeing Brazil when facing imminent legal action.
“The minister sought to show that Bolsonaro’s preventative detention is based not on hypothetical facts, but on concrete conduct verified in the former president’s own political environment,” explained Constitutional Law professor Francisco Braga. He further noted that the repeated pattern among allies “highlights a real risk of escape and reinforces the need for prison as a way of ensuring the application of criminal law.”
The situation continues to unfold as Brazilian authorities navigate the complexities of international law and pursue justice in a politically charged environment.
