BOSTON – U.S. immigration authorities have detained a relative of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, following her arrest earlier this month near the Boston area, according to statements from her attorney and officials familiar with the case.
A Family Member Taken Into Custody
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a Brazilian national and the wife of Leavitt’s brother, was taken into custody on November 12 while driving to pick up her son in New Hampshire, her attorney Todd Pomerleau told CNN.
The 11-year-old boy has lived with his father, Michael Leavitt, since birth. A source familiar with the family dynamics told the network that Ferreira and Karoline Leavitt have had no contact for many years.
DHS Labels Her a “Criminal Illegal Immigrant” — Lawyer Disputes the Claim
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Ferreira had overstayed a tourist visa that required her to leave the United States in June 1999, describing her as a “criminal illegal alien” with a prior arrest for assault and currently facing removal proceedings.
But Pomerleau strongly rejected the government’s characterization, insisting Ferreira has no criminal record.
“We completely deny any criminal allegations against my client,” he said. “She is not a criminal, and she is not an illegal immigrant.”
Complications Tied to DACA
According to her attorney, Ferreira previously held protection under DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. However, she lost the ability to renew her status after the Trump administration attempted to end the program.
Pomerleau added that she is currently involved in legitimate immigration proceedings and is seeking U.S. citizenship.
Transferred to a Facility 1,500 Miles Away
Ferreira has since been transferred to an ICE processing center in Basile, Louisiana, roughly 80 miles from Baton Rouge and more than 1,500 miles from the location of her arrest, her attorney said.
Meanwhile, her sister has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal fees and related expenses. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had collected more than $15,000, according to information confirmed by her legal team.
FAQs
1. Who is Bruna Caroline Ferreira?
She is the Brazilian-born wife of Michael Leavitt, brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
2. Why was she detained by ICE?
U.S. officials say she overstayed a tourist visa from 1999 and is now in removal proceedings.
3. Did Ferreira commit any crime?
DHS claims she has a prior assault arrest, but her attorney insists she has no criminal record.
4. Was she previously protected under DACA?
Yes. Her attorney says she once benefited from DACA but lost her ability to renew due to policy shifts during the Trump administration.
5. Where is she being held now?
She is detained at an ICE processing facility in Basile, Louisiana, far from where she was arrested.
