Quick Rundown
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, who is the mother of the 11-year-old nephew of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Revere, Massachusetts. The arrest has left her family scrambling and sparked questions about her immigration status and the circumstances that led to the detention.
What Happened
Local authorities say ICE agents picked up Ferreira as she was leaving her home earlier this month — reportedly while she was on her way to get her son. Her attorney says she was not told why she was being detained at the scene. Since the arrest, Ferreira has been moved between a handful of facilities in different states, and her legal team describes the transfers as chaotic.
Who’s Involved
Ferreira shares an 11-year-old son with Michael Leavitt, who is the brother of Karoline Leavitt. Michael has said his priority is his son’s safety and privacy. Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, has been publicly calling for her release and pushing back on some of the claims made by authorities.
Immigration Status: Confusion and Claims
The Department of Homeland Security told local media that Ferreira entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa and overstayed. Officials also referenced a prior arrest on a battery charge. Ferreira’s legal team disputes aspects of that account, saying she was brought to the U.S. as a child and that she has pursued lawful status. Supporters say she was previously protected under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), though news outlets have not independently verified her current DACA renewal status.
Lawyers and Laypeople React
Pomerleau paints the arrest as especially harsh given Ferreira’s steps toward permanent residency and her role in her child’s life. He has criticized the repeated transfers between facilities and called the process unfair. Another attorney representing Ferreira framed the detention as a troubling example of enforcement actions that can catch long-standing residents and family members off guard.
Community Mood
City leaders in Revere say the case has increased anxiety among immigrant families, with neighbors worried about due process and the safety of loved ones. The episode has prompted wider concern about how immigration enforcement affects everyday families — including those with close ties to people working in national politics.
What’s Next
Ferreira is in removal proceedings and is currently being held at an ICE processing center described by authorities. Her attorney expects a federal hearing in Louisiana soon. Meanwhile, family members and supporters are raising funds for legal expenses and pressing for clarity about her status and the reason for detention.
The Bottom Line
It’s a messy, tense situation: a mother detained while trying to care for her child, lawyers disputing the official narrative, and a community watching nervously. Whether Ferreira’s case will move quickly through the courts or turn into a longer legal battle remains to be seen — and her family is hoping for a speedy and humane resolution.
