Karoline Leavitt’s Nephew’s Mother Detained by ICE Near Boston, Faces U.S. Removal
The mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s 11-year-old nephew is now in ICE custody, raising fresh attention on U.S. immigration enforcement, visa violations, and the legal complexities faced by long-term undocumented residents. The case involves Bruna Caroline Ferreira, who was taken into custody earlier this month, prompting debate among legal representatives, family members, and federal authorities.
Background of the Arrest
Detention in Massachusetts
According to multiple reports, Bruna Caroline Ferreira was detained on Nov. 12 in Revere, Massachusetts, a city just a few miles from Boston. She was reportedly on her way to pick up her 11-year-old son from the home of Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother, when she was stopped and arrested by immigration authorities.
Family Connection
Ferreira shares her son with Michael Leavitt, making the child the nephew of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Sources revealed that the child lives full-time in New Hampshire with his father and has never lived with Ferreira. It was also noted that Karoline and Ferreira have not communicated in years.
Immigration Status and DHS Statement
Visa Overstay Since 1999
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Ferreira originally entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa, which required her to leave the country by June 6, 1999. Her legal authorization to remain in the United States expired more than two decades ago.
Claims of Prior Arrest
DHS further stated that Ferreira had a “previous arrest for battery,” though public databases in Massachusetts show no criminal record under her name. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, strongly rejected the allegation, insisting that “Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever.”
Attorney’s Response and DACA Complications
Disputing the Criminal Allegations
Pomerleau challenged the government’s claim, emphasizing the absence of charges and describing her as a law-abiding immigrant who has followed every legal requirement available to her.
Past DACA Protection
Ferreira was previously protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program designed for individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children. According to her attorney, she had been undergoing a legal immigration process toward citizenship. However, she was unable to renew her DACA status after former President Trump’s attempt to end the program, which left her without renewed protections.
Current Detention and Deportation Proceedings
DHS confirmed that Ferreira is now being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is in formal removal proceedings. Federal officials emphasized that under the current administration, anyone unlawfully present in the United States is subject to deportation, underscoring the strict immigration approach implemented during Trump’s second term.
Family Response and Public Support
Sister Launches GoFundMe
Ferreira’s sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support legal efforts. She described Bruna as a person who has always worked hard, met her DACA requirements, and built an honest, stable life in the U.S. since arriving as a child in 1998.
She highlighted that Bruna’s detention has deeply affected her 11-year-old son, who hopes each day that his mother will return in time for the holidays.
Father Speaks Out
Michael Leavitt confirmed that his son has had no contact with Ferreira since her arrest. He expressed that the situation has been emotionally difficult, stressing that his priority is his son’s safety and emotional well-being.
Political Context: Immigration Crackdown
Ferreira’s arrest occurred during a broader immigration crackdown rolled out under President Trump’s second term. In a recent interview, Trump said current immigration actions “haven’t gone far enough,” blaming courts and “liberal judges” for limiting enforcement efforts. The intensified focus on removal proceedings has placed thousands of undocumented individuals—including long-term residents like Ferreira—at increased risk of deportation.