Detention of Bruna Ferreira, relative of White House spokesperson, moves towards deportation

Agents from Serviço of Imigração and Controle of Casa Branca Karoline Leavitt, is accused of illegally remaining in the Estados Unidos after the expiration of her B2 tourist visa in June 1999. The Departamento of Segurança Interna (DHS) classified the case as part of expanded deportation actions under the

Ferreira arrived in the USA in 1998, as a child, accompanied by her family. Ela was under the protection of the DACA program, created during the Obama administration for immigrants who arrived as children, and was awaiting approval for permanent residency. The arrest occurred while she was driving to pick up her son from school, abruptly separating her from the boy just before the Ação of Graças holiday.

Michael Leavitt, resident of New Hampshire, confirmed the arrest and emphasized the priority of the well-being of his son, who has lived with him since birth. The boy maintains contact with his mother, despite the joint custody disputed by the authorities.

Arrival and immigration status of Bruna Ferreira

Bruna Caroline Ferreira migrated to Estados Unidos at the age of 11, in December 1998, with her parents coming from Brasil.

The B2 visa allowed a temporary stay for tourism, with mandatory departure on June 6, 1999, which did not occur.

She has since qualified for DACA, which offers temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to about 800,000 recipients in 2025, according to data from Serviço of Cidadania and Imigração.

Arrest Details and Charges

The arrest took place at Revere, near Boston, during routine ICE inspection.

Federal agents surrounded Ferreira’s vehicle, taking her to a local police station before transfer to ICE’s Centro of Processamento in south Louisiana.

DHS describes Ferreira as “Brasil’s criminal illegal immigrant,” citing a prior arrest for assault in 2023 without a formal conviction.

Disputes over criminal records

Attorney Todd Pomerleau strongly disputes the government’s allegations.

He states that there is no criminal record against the client and demands proof of the accusations.

Pomerleau describes the arrest as illegal, with no warrant presented, and highlights the impact on her 11-year-old son.

Ferreira shares joint custody with Michael Leavitt, contradicting sources who say the boy never lived with his mother.

Family history and relationship with the Leavitt

Michael Leavitt and Bruna Ferreira were in a relationship for years, resulting in the birth of their son in 2014.

The couple separated about a decade ago, but the mother remained involved in the boy’s life, including regular visits in New Hampshire.

Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for Casa Branca since January 2025, has not commented on the case and has not communicated with Ferreira for many years, according to close sources.

The Leavitt family, originating from Atkinson, New Hampshire, includes parents who ran local businesses such as an ice cream parlor and car dealership.

Trump government position on immigration

DHS reinforces that under President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, all individuals without legal status face removal.

Since the beginning of the second term, ICE has increased arrests by more than 50%, reaching 150,000 detainees by November 2025.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says DACA does not guarantee permanent protection or legal status.

Family efforts for legal support

Bruna’s sister, Graziela of Santos Rodrigues, started an online fundraising campaign to cover defense and expenses.

The fundraiser, launched days after the arrest, has already collected more than US$18,000 of a goal of US$30,000.

Rodrigues describes his sister as a dedicated resident, who fulfilled DACA requirements and built a stable life in the US.

The text highlights the dilemma of mixed families, with Ferreira’s son awaiting a bail hearing at Louisiana.

• Priority: Bem-being of a minor under 11 years of age, with custody in dispute.
• Current location: Centro of Processamento ICE, Basile, Louisiana.
• Date of entry into the USA: Dezembro, 1998.
• DACA beneficiaries in 2025: Aproximadamente 800 thousand.
• Increase in ICE detentions: Mais of 50% since January.

Ferreira remains in custody while the deportation process progresses, with a hearing scheduled for December 2025, which could result in removal to Brasil or conditional release.