The shadow of immigration enforcement has reached even the family circle of a former White House Press Secretary. Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, is now detained in a Louisiana ICE facility, a sudden disruption to a life built over decades in the United States.
Ferreira arrived in the US from Brazil with her family in 1998, a young girl entering on a tourist visa. She’s since become a pillar of her community, and a devoted mother to her eleven-year-old son, who remains with his father and stepmother. Despite a consistent effort to navigate the complex immigration system, her future is now uncertain.
Protected for years under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Ferreira was actively pursuing legal residency when she was unexpectedly taken into custody. DACA, initiated by President Obama, offered a pathway to work permits and protection from deportation for nearly 800,000 individuals brought to the US as children – often called “Dreamers.”
The Department of Homeland Security labeled Ferreira a “criminal illegal alien,” citing a past arrest for battery. However, her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, vehemently denies any criminal record exists. “Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever,” he stated, demanding proof of the allegations. “She’s not a criminal illegal alien.”
The timing of the arrest, just before Thanksgiving, has deepened the family’s distress. Ferreira was abruptly separated from her son, a devastating blow as she worked towards securing a permanent future. Her family describes her as a hardworking and selfless individual, always prioritizing the needs of others.
According to officials, Ferreira overstayed her initial tourist visa, which required departure by June 1999. The current administration asserts that all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation, a policy echoing statements made during the Trump presidency.
Michael Leavitt, Ferreira’s son’s father and Karoline Leavitt’s brother, has released a brief statement, expressing concern solely for the well-being and privacy of his child. The family is now focused on securing legal representation and fighting for Ferreira’s release.
Those who know Ferreira paint a picture of a woman dedicated to building a stable life. She has consistently adhered to the requirements of her legal status, striving to do everything “the right way.” Now, her family is rallying to support her through this unexpected and challenging ordeal.
