Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro arrived in South Florida on Wednesday morning following his defeat in the country’s presidential runoff election and amid multiple criminal investigations. Photographs captured Bolsonaro stepping out of an aircraft at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in Opa-locka, Florida.
Bolsonaro lost Sunday’s runoff election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His journey to the United States follows an announcement from the Trump administration indicating that visas would be granted to the failed candidate and his family. President Donald Trump previously alleged that Brazil’s election appeared “rigged,” though he offered no evidence to support the claim. Specific details regarding the category of visa issued to Bolsonaro or his authorized duration of stay remain unconfirmed, though his family’s right-wing political dynasty maintains established connections with long-serving Trump advisers and associates.
Legal scrutiny surrounds the Brazilian senator, who faces investigations for alleged corruption and money laundering linked to an unsuccessful lender, according to unsealed court documents. His brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro, obtained permanent U.S. residency earlier this year and also faces corruption charges.
According to reporting, Bolsonaro departed Brazil on Tuesday alongside his wife and two daughters, initially crossing into Argentina before boarding a private aircraft in Ecuador. Following the election outcome, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes indicated that prosecutions could be imminent and requested that the politician surrender his passport.
Bolsonaro’s relocation to Florida mirrors the actions of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who relocated to the state for a multi-month stay following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The elder Bolsonaro currently remains under house arrest in Brazil facing charges related to fomenting a coup against Lula.
Florida hosts a substantial Brazilian population and maintains deep economic and cultural connections with South America. President Trump has nominated former Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Brazil.
A spokesperson for Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding Bolsonaro’s arrival at the South Florida airport.
