Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, was arrested near Boston on November 12 for reportedly overstaying a tourist visa that expired in June 1999 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Who is Bruna Caroline?
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew. The 33-year-old was arrested by ICE agents in Revere, Massachusetts, on November 12. She is currently facing deportation.
Bruna Caroline Family Background
Bruna has an 11-year-old son with Michael Leavitt, Karoline Leavitt’s brother. Her son has lived full-time with Michael and his stepmother in New Hampshire since birth. Despite living apart, Ferreira has maintained a relationship with her child. Michael Leavitt is her ex husband. Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues is Bruna Caroline Ferreira’s sister.
Bruna Caroline Education Qualification
Bruna Holds qualifications related to Applied Social Sciences/Administration. She is an academic professor and administrator.
Bruna Caroline Detention and Legal Proceedings
Bruna Caroline Ferreira is now held at a facility in Louisiana while undergoing removal proceedings. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said that she had overstayed her tourist visa, which expired in June 1999. Ferreira was also previously arrested for battery. She was taken into custody while driving to pick up her son from New Hampshire.
Legal Defense and Family Support
Ferreira’s lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, said she originally entered the U.S. legally and is now working on getting her green card. He firmly rejected the claim that she is a “criminal illegal alien,” saying, “Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever. I don’t know where that is coming from. Show us the proof. She’s not a criminal, illegal alien, we’re hearing that said about anyone who is not a U.S. citizen.”
Community Support and Fundraising
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise $30,000 to cover Bruna’s legal fees and related expenses. Her sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, explained that Bruna was brought to the United States as a child in December 1998 by their parents on a visa. Graziela emphasized that Bruna has always worked hard to build a stable, honest life in the U.S., describing her as kind, hardworking, and always ready to help others. Graziela also spoke about how much Bruna’s son, Michael Leavitt Junior, is suffering. She said he misses his mother deeply and hopes every day that she will come home soon, especially with the holidays coming.
