Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been released from immigration detention almost a month after her arrest. Ferreira was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on November 12 while driving to pick up her son from school in Revere, Massachusetts.
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirmed that Ferreira was released on a $1,500 bond, which is the minimum amount set under immigration law. Pomerleau indicated that he had a short conversation with Ferreira, who mentioned she was returning to the Northeast after a trip to Louisiana. He argued that Ferreira poses no threat or flight risk and highlighted her eligibility for multiple pathways to achieve lawful permanent residency. Pomerleau strongly disputed the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) characterization of Ferreira as a “criminal illegal alien,” asserting that she has never been charged with a crime.
The DHS had reported that Ferreira was a Brazilian national who overstayed her B2 tourist visa, originally issued in 1999. They also noted that a judge approved her release and bond, coinciding with her entry into removal proceedings. Ferreira, however, challenged these claims, explaining that while she had overstayed her visa, it was merely a civil infraction rather than a criminal matter. She painted a picture of her life in the U.S., stating she had been raised in the country after moving there as a child.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Ferreira shared personal details about her relationship with Leavitt’s brother, Michael. They met at a nightclub, fell in love, and have been co-parenting their 11-year-old son since breaking off their engagement in 2015. Ferreira expressed confusion over the narratives that have emerged around her case, stating, “Why they’re creating this narrative is beyond my wildest imagination.”
Pomerleau clarified that Ferreira’s only previous encounter with the law was a juvenile matter from 2008, which involved a minor altercation outside a Dunkin’ Donuts and ultimately resulted in a dismissed summons for which Ferreira was never arrested. He asserted that the details of juvenile cases are sealed, reaffirming her lack of a criminal record.
The case highlights ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and the classifications used by authorities. As Ferreira navigates her immigration status, her situation underscores broader discussions about the complexities many face in the immigration system, particularly when they have deep familial ties and roots in the United States. The positive outcome of her release offers a sense of relief for her family, highlighting the importance of legal representation and advocacy in immigration matters.