Bruna Ferreira, the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, recently faced detention by U.S. immigration authorities. She was stopped during a traffic check in Massachusetts in November and later held in a Louisiana facility. In a chat with the Washington Post, Bruna pushed back against claims made by the White House, which described her as an absentee mother.
Bruna, 33, has a son named Michael Jr., 11, with Karoline’s brother, Michael Leavitt. She expressed her hurt over the administration’s portrayal, calling it “disgusting.” Bruna highlighted her active role in Michael Jr.’s life, noting how she takes him to school, supports him at sports events, and even made an effort for him to attend family gatherings, like Leavitt’s wedding.
She reflected on trusting Karoline with the role of godmother for her son, stating, “I made a mistake there, in trusting.” Bruna questioned why the White House would create such a narrative.
After her detention, Bruna was released on a $1,500 bond, as a judge ruled she posed no threat to society. Her attorney criticized the government’s portrayal of her as “unfair and untrue”. Interestingly, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson acknowledged her past but did not object to her release.
Bruna moved to the U.S. from Brazil when she was just six years old. While the DHS mentioned a previous arrest for battery, her lawyer clarified that it stemmed from a juvenile court incident over a petty disagreement, which was dismissed. Bruna and Michael Leavitt had a romantic relationship but split in 2015 while continuing to co-parent.
In an unexpected turn, Bruna shared that people in the detention center questioned her about her ties to the Leavitt family, asking if there was tension between her and Karoline. She candidly replied, “Your guess is as good as mine.”
This story highlights ongoing conversations about immigration policies and their impact on families. Data from recent surveys show that over 70% of Americans believe that family considerations should play a significant role in immigration cases. As public sentiment shifts, it’s crucial to recognize the individual stories behind the statistics.
For further insights on immigration trends, check out the Pew Research Center.
