ICE detains Karoline Leavitt’s Sister-in-Law, No Family Dispute Reported

The mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has assured her attorney that she harbors no ill will toward the Leavitt family and holds deep respect and admiration for the White House press secretary, who serves as godmother to her 11-year-old son with Leavitt’s brother. This information comes from the woman’s attorney, as reported to WMUR on Saturday.

Bruna Ferreira was taken into ICE custody earlier this month in Massachusetts while en route to pick up her son in New Hampshire, according to her attorney, Todd Pomerleau. He stated that she was approached by someone who already knew her name.

Department of Homeland Security records confirm Ferreira is currently held in an ICE processing facility in South Louisiana.

“She is not doing well,but she is strong and resilient,” Pomerleau said.

Karoline Leavitt’s brother, Michael, previously told WMUR-TV on Tuesday that his primary concern is the well-being and safety of his son.

According to Pomerleau, Ferreira entered the U.S. legally as a child and has remained in the country ever since. She is currently applying for a green card to permanently reside in the U.S. He argues that, having arrived at such a young age, she would only be responsible for a visa violation until her sixth birthday and has no self-reliant reason to be removed. “She’s just waiting for her turn,” Pomerleau added, expressing his belief that this situation feels like a “political football.”

By the time she reached adulthood, Ferreira would have been eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), an immigration program offering temporary protections from deportation to individuals brought to the U.S. as children. She became caught in a legal limbo, according to WMUR. Pomerleau asserts that the law should allow for her release.

Ferreira is actively involved in raising her son and owns two businesses. According to reports,there is a current shortage of ICE detention center beds for women in Massachusetts,forcing detainees to be sent out of state.

Ferreira is awaiting a federal court hearing, and also a bond hearing. DHS records indicate she originally entered the U.S. from Brazil on a B2 tourist visa, which required her to depart by June. A previous arrest for battery was also reported, however, Ferreira insists she has no criminal record. “There is no record whatsoever. I don’t know where that’s from. Show us proof. There are no charges there. She’s not an illegal alien, we are anyone a citizen,” she stated.

Karoline Leavitt, a New Hampshire native from Atkinson, was appointed White House press secretary by President Donald Trump in November.