A 33-year-old Massachusetts woman connected by family to Karoline Leavitt is currently being held in custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), spotlighting tensions in the ongoing immigration crackdown under the current administration. The woman, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, was detained on November 12 while driving to pick up her 11-year-old son from school in New Hampshire. Times Union+2The Washington Post+2
Ferreira is the former partner of Michael Leavitt — Karoline Leavitt’s brother — and the mother of his child. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says Ferreira overstayed a B-2 tourist visa that expired in 1999 and previously had an arrest for battery, allegations her lawyer strongly denies, arguing she has no criminal record. NBC New York+2Los Angeles Times+2
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, described the detention as abrupt and unjustified, noting that Ferreira has been shuffled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, Vermont, and now a detention facility in Louisiana — all while she pursues permanent residency after having once been covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Washington Post+2WSLS+2
The arrest has drawn scrutiny because of her indirect connection to a senior official — the White House press secretary — raising questions about the human impact of hardline immigration enforcement policies. While Karoline Leavitt has declined to comment, her brother said his primary concern is for their son’s well-being and privacy. AP News+2The Independent+2
Observers say the case exemplifies the broad reach of the administration’s immigration crackdown — affecting individuals regardless of their ties to high-profile political figures. As Ferreira awaits deportation proceedings, her family and supporters have voiced worry, particularly for the welfare of her child.
