U.S. immigration authorities have arrested Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, according to sources familiar with the case.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security described Ferreira, a Brazilian national, as a “criminal illegal alien” with a prior arrest for battery and an overstayed visa that expired in 1999.
“ICE arrested Bruna Caroline Ferreria, a criminal illegal alien from Brazil. She has a previous arrest for battery. She entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the U.S. by June 6, 1999. She is currently at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is in removal proceedings. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation,” the spokesperson said.
Michael Leavitt, Karoline Leavitt’s brother, confirmed the arrest to ABC New Hampshire station WMUR and said it occurred a few weeks ago. He noted that his 11-year-old son has lived with him since birth but “maintains a relationship with his mother.”
Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, disputed the federal claims. Speaking to Boston ABC station WCVB, he said, “Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever, I don’t know where that is coming from. Show us the proof.”
Pomerleau added that Ferreira entered the country lawfully, previously held DACA status, and is currently in the process of obtaining a green card. He also criticized the arrest itself, saying it occurred in her car in Massachusetts without a warrant and now requires him to litigate the case in Louisiana, thousands of miles from her home. Pomerleau downplayed any effect her familial connection to Karoline Leavitt could have, calling it “happenstance.”
An online fundraising campaign set up by someone claiming to be Ferreira’s sister offered a different perspective on her character. “Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether it’s supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself,” Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues said.
The case underscores the reach of U.S. immigration enforcement and its potential to touch families connected to high-profile political figures, even at the White House level.
The White House declined to comment.