A family member of the White House press secretary is now in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a recent arrest. The individual, identified as Bruna Caroline Ferreira, is accused of overstaying a tourist visa and is now facing deportation. The case has drawn attention due to her close relationship to a top White House official.
Who Is Bruna Caroline Ferreira? Ties to Press Secretary
Bruna Caroline Ferreira is the mother of the 11-year-old nephew of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The boy lives in New Hampshire with his father, Karoline’s brother, Michael Leavitt. Ferreira and Michael share joint custody of their son. The family once had a personal relationship, and Ferreira was previously involved in his life.
Ferreira was arrested near Boston on November 12, according to her attorney, Todd Pomerleau. Authorities say she entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa but overstayed after her visa expired in June 1999. ICE placed her in removal proceedings, and a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson called her a “criminal illegal alien” with a past battery arrest.
Legal Challenge: Attorney Disputes Criminal Claims
Ferreira’s lawyer strongly rejects the government’s portrayal. “We dispute that she has any criminal record. She is not a ‘criminal illegal alien,’” said Pomerleau. He argued that she is currently in the midst of a “lawful immigration process” seeking U.S. citizenship. He also noted that she once benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation for certain individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
Where Is She Being Held?
ICE has transferred Ferreira to the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana. This facility is about 80 miles from Baton Rouge. Her arrest while driving to pick up her son has sparked strong emotions in the family.
Michael Leavitt, her ex-partner and the boy’s father, described the situation as “difficult.” He said his only priority now is the well-being of their son. Friends and relatives are worried about the impact of the detention on the child, who is caught in the middle of a complex legal and family drama.
Government Position: No Exceptions for Overstayers
A DHS spokesperson reiterated that under current policy, “All individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.” They emphasized that Ferreira’s case is being handled according to the law.
When reached for comment, the White House declined to speak on the matter. The press secretary has made no public statement. The case continues to attract media attention, as it raises questions about immigration rules, family separation, and the role of high-profile connections.
