A Brazilian woman who is linked to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was freed from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after an immigration judge granted her release on bond. The decision came as she continues to fight a potential deportation order.
Arrest and Early Detention
Bruna Ferreira, 33, has lived in Massachusetts for many years. On Nov. 12, she was stopped by ICE agents in Revere while driving to pick up her 11‑year‑old son in New Hampshire. At the time of the arrest, Ferreira was still engaged to Michael Leavitt, the brother of the White House press secretary.
Following her arrest, Ferreira was first taken to a facility in Vermont. She was later moved to a detention center in Louisiana, where an immigration judge eventually ordered her release on a $1,500 bond.
Legal Proceedings and Judge’s Decision
The judge’s ruling came after a hearing in which Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, argued that she posed neither a danger nor a flight risk. In a text message, Pomerleau stated, “We argued that she wasn’t a danger or a flight risk,” adding, “The government stipulated to our argument and never once argued that she was criminal illegal alien and waived appeal.”
Pomerleau also highlighted that the Department of Homeland Security had labeled Ferreira a “criminal illegal alien” and claimed she had been arrested for battery. He denied these allegations, saying his client had never committed a crime and that he had seen no evidence to support the claim.
Background on Ferreira’s Immigration Status
Ferreira arrived in the United States as a toddler. She later enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a policy that protects immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. According to Pomerleau, she was also in the process of applying for a green card.
In an interview last month, Pomerleau explained, “She came here at 6 years old,” and noted, “Age of 6, and they’re calling her a criminal illegal alien.” He added, “They’re saying she violated a visa,” and clarified, “You can’t violate a visa under the immigration laws until six months after your 18th birthday. By then, she already had DACA, which you can’t get if you’re a criminal illegal alien, cause [of] its disqualifying factors for people who have crimes.”
Family Connections and Public Silence
Ferreira shares custody of her son with Leavitt’s brother, Michael. A source confirmed the family connection but reported that the two women have not spoken in years. The White House press secretary has not publicly commented on the case.
Karoline Leavitt, who grew up in New Hampshire, ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 before becoming Donald Trump’s spokesperson for his 2024 campaign and later joining him at the White House.
Pomerleau described the past relationship between Ferreira and Michael as typical of many young couples, saying, “Like a modern family,” he added. “They’re two people that were young and in love at one point. They were engaged to be married, and it didn’t work out, like countless others.”
Department of Homeland Security’s Position
The Department of Homeland Security previously referred to Ferreira as a “criminal illegal alien” and stated she had been arrested for battery. However, the agency did not provide any evidence of a crime, and no official response was received from the White House press secretary or the department after requests for comment on Monday.
Current Status and Future Steps
Ferreira is now released on a $1,500 bond while she continues to contest a potential deportation order. Her attorney maintains that the government has not substantiated the claim that she is a criminal illegal alien and that she has no criminal record.
The case remains in the immigration court system, where further proceedings will determine whether Ferreira can remain in the United States or will face removal.
Key Takeaways
- Bruna Ferreira, 33, was arrested by ICE on Nov. 12 while driving to pick up her son.
- She was first detained in Vermont, then moved to Louisiana, where an immigration judge released her on $1,500 bond.
- Ferreira is linked to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt through her former engagement to Leavitt’s brother.
- Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, disputes DHS claims of criminal activity and argues she is not a flight risk.
- DHS labeled her a “criminal illegal alien” and alleged battery, but no evidence has been presented.
- Ferreira arrived in the U.S. as a child, holds DACA, and is applying for a green card.
- The White House press secretary has not commented publicly on the case.
The case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, personal connections to political figures, and the legal processes that determine whether an individual remains in the United States.
Closing
As the immigration court continues to review Ferreira’s situation, the outcome will be closely watched by those following the broader debate over immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals with DACA status. The case also underscores how personal relationships can intersect with public policy and legal proceedings.
*Contributed by NBC10 Boston’s Oscar Margain.*
