Detention of Bruna Caroline Ferreira
A family member of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying her tourist visa.
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, identified as a “criminal illegal alien” from Brazil by a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, entered the United States on a B-2 Tourist Visa but failed to leave when it expired in June 1999.
This month, she was detained in Massachusetts.
The spokesperson confirmed that Ms. Ferreira is currently held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is undergoing removal proceedings.
According to the DHS representative, “Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.”
Ms. Ferreira is the mother of Ms. Leavitt’s nephew through her brother, Michael Leavitt. Reports indicate that Ms. Ferreira and Ms. Leavitt have not communicated in years; the nephew resides with Michael Leavitt in New Hampshire.
It has been noted that Ms. Ferreira has a prior arrest for battery.
In a statement to WBUR, a public radio station in Boston, Mr. Leavitt expressed concern for his son’s safety and privacy during this situation.
Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, Ms. Ferreira’s sister, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal expenses related to her case. The campaign features images of Ms. Ferreira and her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Jr.
The GoFundMe page states: “Bruna was brought to the United States by our parents in December of 1998 when she was just a child… She has maintained her legal status through DACA and always strived to do the right thing.” It further emphasizes how painful this separation has been for her son as he hopes for her return before the holidays.
The fundraising effort aims to cover legal fees necessary for Bruna’s best chance at returning home; it has raised nearly $20,000 so far.
Todd Pomerleau, Ms. Ferreira’s lawyer, mentioned that she shares custody of her son with Mr. Leavitt but expressed uncertainty regarding any battery charges against her.
