A Brazilian national, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after her arrest near Boston on November 12, 2025, according to her attorney, Todd Pomerleau Yahoo News Australia WHDH 7News WBUR Mediaite The Independent.
The Arrest
Ferreira, who shares a child with Michael Leavitt, the brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, was detained in Revere, Massachusetts while driving to pick up her son from school. She was arrested without a warrant and later transferred to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana WHDH 7News WBUR.
Immigration Status
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Ferreira entered the U.S. legally but overstayed a tourist visa that required her departure in June 1999. Officials also confirmed she has a previous arrest for battery and is now in removal proceedings Yahoo News Australia Yahoo News UK.
Family Connection
Ferreira’s son, now 11, lives full‑time in New Hampshire with his father, Michael Leavitt, and his wife. Sources close to the family say Ferreira has maintained a relationship with her son, though he has not spoken with her since her arrest earlier this month Mediaite.
While Ferreira’s case has drawn attention due to her connection to Karoline Leavitt, sources emphasize that the press secretary and Ferreira have not spoken in many years Yahoo News Australia Yahoo News UK.
Broader Context
The arrest comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has prioritized detaining individuals who have overstayed visas or have prior criminal records. Ferreira’s case highlights the intersection of immigration policy and personal family ties to high‑profile political figures.
Outlook
Ferreira remains in ICE custody while her legal team challenges the detention. Attorney Todd Pomerleau has criticized the manner of her arrest, arguing that she was detained without due process. The case is expected to proceed through immigration courts in the coming weeks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Picture on Flickr by Gage Skidmore
