Key Highlights
- The mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew has been taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
- Michael Leavitt, the brother of Karoline Leavitt, expressed concerns about his son’s safety and well-being following his mother’s arrest.
- Todd Pomerleau, Ferreira’s attorney, argues that she entered the U.S. legally under DACA and is in the process of getting her green card.
- Karoline Leavitt has not spoken to Bruna Caroline Ferreira in many years.
The Arrest of a White House Figure’s Family Member
In a surprising turn of events, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for overstaying her visa by 26 years. This development has drawn attention to the complex web of family ties within high-profile political figures.
Background on the Arrest
A source confirmed to WMUR that Bruna Caroline Ferreira, who is originally from Brazil, was arrested in Revere, Massachusetts, and currently held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, Ferreira entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa with an expiration date of June 6, 1999, but remained beyond her authorized stay.
Ferreira’s relationship with Karoline Leavitt’s nephew has been maintained despite the long separation from his mother. Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother, spoke to News 9 off-camera on Tuesday night, expressing deep concern for his son’s safety and well-being following Ferreira’s arrest. He mentioned that his son had lived with him in New Hampshire since birth but still maintains a relationship with his mother.
Legal Perspectives and Controversies
Todd Pomerleau, Ferreira’s attorney, counters DHS claims by stating that she entered the U.S. legally under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and is in the process of obtaining her green card. Pomerleau emphasizes that his client has no criminal record whatsoever: “Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever. I don’t know where that is coming from.
Show us the proof. There’s no charges out there. She’s not a criminal, illegal alien, we’re hearing that said about anyone who’s not a U.S. citizen.”
Pomerleau’s defense of his client extends to her role as a mother: “I’m just trying to fight to get her out of jail.
She should not be sitting in a jail hours away from her family and from her child’s life. She’s a great mom, and from what I heard, I think he’s been a pretty good dad.” He believes that Ferreira’s son, who has lived with Michael Leavitt since birth, should not be caught up in this custody battle.
Implications for the White House Staff
The arrest of Karoline Leavitt’s mother-in-law highlights the potential personal and professional challenges faced by high-ranking government officials. While Leavitt has not spoken to Ferreira in many years, her position as a White House press secretary adds an extra layer of scrutiny to this case. The incident underscores the broader issue of immigration enforcement affecting even those with connections to powerful positions.
Michael Leavitt’s comments reflect the complex emotions involved: “His mother is locked up in Louisiana, where she should have never been in the first place.” This statement encapsulates both his concern for his son and frustration at what he sees as an unfair situation. His wife has also provided support to their son during this difficult time.
The ongoing legal battle between Ferreira’s attorney and DHS will likely continue to draw public attention, raising questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and family relations in high-profile circles.
