Flavio Bolsonaro Arrives in Miami After 72-Hour Journey Through Three Countries

Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday following a 72-hour journey that spanned three countries after he lost the presidential runoff to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to reported claims and official statements, the 45-year-old senator traveled with his family amid a Supreme Court order to surrender his passports in connection with investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged in the cases.

Election Defeat and Supreme Court Passport Order

On Sunday, Bolsonaro lost the presidential runoff election, securing approximately 48% of the vote against Lula's 52%. Following the defeat, he initially refused to concede and questioned voting procedures. On Monday, Bolsonaro stated in a social media video that federal police served him with a Supreme Court order requiring him to surrender his regular and diplomatic passports by noon on Tuesday, amid ongoing investigations. He denied plans to flee at the time, while rejecting speculation about leaving the country.

Journey Through Argentina and Ecuador

As the Tuesday passport surrender deadline passed, conflicting reports emerged regarding his whereabouts. Argentine migration authorities subsequently confirmed that Bolsonaro, his wife Fernanda, and their two daughters entered Argentina on Tuesday night via the Tancredo Neves International Bridge.

From Argentina, the family boarded a private charter operated by Baires Fly SA with a filed flight plan for Guayaquil, Ecuador. Flight-tracking data and authorities indicated the aircraft stopped in Ecuador before flying to Miami's Opa-locka Executive Airport, where they landed on Wednesday morning. Reuters TV images captured the family disembarking in Florida.

Reactions and Legal Context

US officials confirmed that visas would be issued to Bolsonaro and his family, with President Donald Trump stating he would have approved their entry. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the departure as shameful.

Bolsonaro's current Senate term runs until January 31, 2027, after which he will lose the special jurisdiction granting Supreme Court review. Observers and the public can verify official developments through statements issued by Brazilian judicial authorities, US immigration updates, and international flight-tracking records.