Brazil's Federal Police launches $95 million security operation for 2026 presidential candidates

On 20 July 2026 the Polícia Federal (PF) began a nationwide security scheme for the candidates running for Brazil’s presidency in the 2026 election. The operation can protect up to ten candidacies and will mobilise up to 458 specially trained agents, with an estimated budget of R$ 95 million.

Protection will include armored vehicles, anti‑drone systems, bomb‑inspection kits, facial‑recognition tools and digital‑threat monitoring. A National Command and Control Center in Brasília will monitor teams and campaign itineraries in real time, coordinating with state and municipal police.

The service is optional; candidates must request it after their party conventions certify their nominations. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice‑President Geraldo Alckmin will receive joint protection from PF and the Gabinete de Segurança Institucional. Pre‑candidates Romeu Zema, Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos have said they will request the scheme, while senator Flávio Bolsonaro declined, preferring his Senate police detail.

Risk assessments will assign each campaign a threat level (very high, high, moderate or low) and tailor security plans accordingly, but PF stresses equal treatment for all approved candidates.