3:55White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conducts a press conference at the Executive Mansion in Washington, November 20, 2025.Evan Vucci/AP
Federal immigration officials have apprehended a woman who is the mother of the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, according to a source briefed on the matter.
A DHS representative identified the individual as Bruna Caroline Ferreira.
A journalist from ABC New Hampshire affiliate WMUR conversed with Leavitt's sibling, Michael Leavitt, who also verified the detention and stated it occurred a couple of weeks prior.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, November 20, 2025.Evan Vucci/AP
Per Michael Leavitt, his 11-year-old offspring has resided with him since birth but mentioned the child sustains a connection with the mother, WMUR detailed.
A DHS representative characterized Ferreira, a Brazilian citizen, as a "criminal alien unlawfully in the country" who possesses a prior charge for assault and stayed beyond the duration of a visa that lapsed in 1999.
"ICE took Bruna Caroline Ferreria into custody, a Brazilian national unlawfully present with a criminal record. She has a prior arrest for battery. She came to the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the U.S. by June 6, 1999. She is presently located at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is facing deportation proceedings. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation," the spokesperson explained.
Todd Pomerleau, legal counsel for Ferreira, spoke with Boston ABC affiliate WCVB and disputed assertions that Ferreira has a criminal background.
"Bruna has no documented criminal history whatsoever, I don't know where that information is originating. Please provide the evidence," Pomerleau stated.
Pomerleau also indicated Ferreira entered the nation legally, previously possessed DACA status and is actively seeking a green card. He communicated his client was apprehended in her vehicle in Massachusetts after being stopped without a warrant, noting that he now has to argue her case in Louisiana, a great distance from her residence. Pomerleau conveyed he did not anticipate his client's link to Karoline Leavitt would impact the situation, suggesting it is merely "coincidental."
The White House chose not to comment.
An online fundraising endeavor started by an individual claiming to be Ferreira's sibling mentions she was brought to the country as a child in 1998.
"Everyone familiar with Bruna knows what kind of person she is. She is diligent, compassionate, and always the first to extend assistance when someone requires it. Whether it's aiding relatives, friends, or even unknown individuals, Bruna has a generous spirit that prioritizes others," stated Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
