Karoline Leavitt’s family member freed from ICE after facing deportation in bombshell revelation
Bruna Ferreira, a Brazilian national and mother to the nephew of Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, was detained by ICE on November 12. She was apprehended while en route to pick up her son from school and held at a processing center in Louisiana.
ICE labeled Ferreira a “criminal illegal alien,” stating she overstayed a tourist visa from 1999. A DHS spokesperson cited policies under President Trump and Secretary Noem directing the deportation of all unlawfully present individuals.
Ferreira’s family countered that she has lived in the U.S. since age six. Her sister asserted Ferreira considers herself more American than Brazilian.
Reports indicate Karoline Leavitt did not contact Ferreira following the detention. The detainee’s ex-father-in-law, Bob Leavitt, suggested she should “self deport” to Brazil.
After nearly a month in custody, an immigration judge ordered Ferreira’s release on bond. She was freed after paying $1,500, the lowest possible amount.
Her lawyers denounced characterizations of Ferreira as an illegal alien with a criminal record, noting public records show no convictions. The DHS lawyer at her hearing did not oppose release, agreeing she posed no danger or flight risk.
Ferreira disputed claims she does not care for her son, stating she shares custody and maintains contact with the Leavitt family. She called allegations about her parental role “disgusting.”
