Bruna Caroline Ferreira Held in Louisiana Facility
Amid Deportation Proceedings
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Revere, Massachusetts, and is currently held at a processing center in South Louisiana.
Ferreira, a Brazilian national, was arrested on November 12 after being accused of residing in the United States on an expired tourist visa since 1999, violating immigration laws. She reportedly has a previous arrest for battery.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security characterized her as a “criminal illegal alien,” and confirmed she is undergoing removal proceedings.
Ferreira’s sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, has launched a GoFundMe to cover legal fees and hopes to secure her release and return to family.
Karoline Leavitt’s brother, Michael Leavitt, is the father of Ferreira’s son, who has lived with Michael in New Hampshire since birth.
Leavitt has not publicly commented on the arrest. The detention comes amid the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement efforts directed at illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Legal experts note the case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policies affecting families with complex ties to U.S. citizens and residents.
Supporters emphasize the humanitarian concerns involved, calling for fair treatment and due process within the immigration system.
