The mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near Boston earlier this month, her attorney confirmed to CNN.
The woman, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, originally from Brazil, was arrested on November 12 and remains in detention, attorney Todd Pomerleau told the outlet.
Leavitt’s brother, Michael, said his son has lived with him in New Hampshire since birth, though Ferreira has continued to be involved in her child’s life, according to local station WMUR.
Ferreira and Leavitt have not communicated for many years, a White House source familiar with the situation told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
During his election campaign, President Donald Trump called for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, with a particular focus on those with criminal records. Since taking office, his administration has moved to intensify immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE has faced growing scrutiny over its tactics, including allegations of misconduct and cases involving the detention of people who argue they have legal grounds to remain in the United States.
What To Know
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told Newsweek that Ferreira originally entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa, which required her to depart by June 6, 1999.
The spokesperson also said Ferreira has a “previous arrest for battery,” and that she is currently being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, where she is now in removal proceedings.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation,” the spokesperson added.
According to her lawyer, Ferreira previously received protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which offers temporary relief from deportation to certain people brought to the U.S. before age 16.
Pomerleau said Ferreira was unable to renew her DACA status during Trump’s first term, when his administration sought to end the Obama-era program. He added that she is now pursuing a “lawful immigration process” in an effort to obtain American citizenship.
Ferreira reportedly separated from Michael Leavitt about a decade ago, Boston public radio station WBUR reported, citing a family member who was not named.
A White House source told Newsweek that the 11-year-old boy has lived full time with his father in New Hampshire since birth and has never resided with his mother.
What People Are Saying
On a GoFundMe page created to help cover Ferreira’s legal expenses, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, identified as Ferreira’s sister, described the family’s situation:
“My family is going through one of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we’re reaching out with a humble plea for help. My sister, Bruna, was recently detained by immigration and is now fighting to stay in the country she has called home for nearly her entire life.”
The fundraiser, which Ferreira’s attorney confirmed to CNN as legitimate, states that Bruna was brought to the U.S. by her parents in December 1998, entering on a visa as a child:
“Since then, she has done everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here. She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing.”
The page goes on to describe Ferreira as:
“Hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether it’s supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself.”
Her detention has been especially difficult for her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Jr., the fundraiser notes:
“Bruna’s absence has been especially painful for her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Junior, who needs his mother and hopes every single day that she’ll be home in time for the holidays.”
As of Wednesday morning, the GoFundMe had raised more than $16,000, including a single anonymous donation of $5,000.
