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Senator Flavio Bolsonaro left Brazil by road for Argentina and then flew via Ecuador to the United States, despite a travel ban and the cancellation of a passport, according to Brazilian media and Argentine authorities.

Argentina's immigration authority confirmed that Bolsonaro's spouse and two daughters boarded a private jet bound for Guayaquil, while US officials said visas had been approved for Bolsonaro and family members and entry would be allowed.

Election defeat and departure

The report describes Bolsonaro as losing the presidential election to President Lula da Silva. Sources close to the family confirmed that the former presidential candidate left the country on a flight bound for the United States in secret, shortly before the passport restriction took effect.

Lula da Silva called the departure, made despite the ban on leaving the country, "shameful."

Key takeaways

• Argentina's immigration authority confirmed Bolsonaro's spouse and two daughters flew from Puerto Iguazu to Guayaquil and on toward the US.
• Argentine officials first denied any border movement, then confirmed Bolsonaro entered by road and left by plane for Ecuador.
• The US State Department said visas would be granted to Bolsonaro and family and entry would be permitted.
• PT lawmakers demanded an urgent arrest warrant and an Interpol red notice, while the Federal Police and the STF pursue separate investigations.