A family member of Karoline Leavitt is under threat of deportation to Brazil, potentially leaving her son in the United States, following detention by ICE officials.
This development affects the family of the often controversial White House press secretary, who has supported numerous ICE operations during her tenure.
The situation involves her 11-year-old nephew, Michael Leavitt Jr., whose mother, Bruna Ferreira, is currently held by ICE and may face deportation to Brazil.
Ferreira was once engaged to Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother, and they co-parented their son in New Hampshire before ending their relationship.
According to a source familiar with the situation, as reported by the Daily Beast, there has been a significant lapse in communication between Leavitt and Ferreira.
The source informed the outlet: “This individual is the mother of Karoline’s nephew and they have not spoken in many years. The child has lived full-time in New Hampshire with his father since he was born. He has never resided with his mother.”
Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother, stated: “The only concern has always been the safety, well-being, and privacy of my son.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security addressed the situation, labeling Ferreira as a ‘criminal illegal alien from Brazil.’ She is being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, pending removal proceedings.
The spokesperson added: “She has a previous arrest for battery. She entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the U.S. by June 6, 1999.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.”
In contrast, a GoFundMe page established by Ferreira’s sister disputes these claims and highlights the impact on 11-year-old Michael Jr.
The page states: “My sister, Bruna, was recently detained by immigration and is now fighting to stay in the country she has called home for nearly her entire life.
“Bruna was brought to the United States by our parents in December of 1998, when she was just a child, entering on a visa. Since then, she has done everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here.
“She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing.”
The GoFundMe concludes with an appeal for financial assistance to cover legal expenses, providing Ferreira with the best opportunity to remain in the U.S.
UNILAD has reached out to the White House and the Department of Homeland Security for further comment.