Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of a child with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s brother, has been released from immigration detention. She was taken into custody on November 12 while driving to her son’s school in Revere, Massachusetts.
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, announced that she was released on a $1,500 bond, the minimum allowed under immigration law. Pomerleau argued that Ferreira posed no threat and that the claims about her being a “criminal illegal alien” were inaccurate. According to him, Ferreira has never been arrested for any crime other than the recent detention.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized Ferreira as a “criminal illegal alien from Brazil,” citing a prior arrest for battery and noting that she entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 1999, which she overstayed. DHS stated that a judge permitted her release as she enters removal proceedings.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Ferreira disputed the claims against her. She acknowledged overstaying her visa as a child but emphasized that it’s a civil violation, not a criminal one. Ferreira shared that she and Leavitt’s brother, Michael, met in a nightclub and became engaged in the past, but they now co-parent their 11-year-old son.
Ferreira expressed confusion over the hostile narrative surrounding her situation, emphasizing the personal connections involved. She reasserted her ties to the family, mentioning that she had asked Leavitt to be the godmother of her child.
Interesting to note, Ferreira’s attorney revealed that while she had a minor incident at 16, where she was summoned to juvenile court, she was never arrested, and the case was dismissed.
This case highlights ongoing discussions about immigration policies in the U.S. Many families face disruptions due to strict immigration law enforcement, raising questions about the balance between security and personal circumstances. Recent surveys indicate a significant portion of Americans believe that family unity should be a priority in immigration decisions, reflecting a shift in public opinion.
For an in-depth look at the complexities of immigration laws, you can read more from the American Immigration Council.
