Who is Bruna Caroline Ferreira and what is her connection to the White House press secretary?

Bruna Caroline Ferreira is the mother of the nephew of Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, and was previously the partner of Michael Leavitt.

Why was Bruna Caroline Ferreira detained by ICE?

She was detained for allegedly overstaying her U.S. tourist visa by 26 years, having entered the U.S. as a child and required to depart by June 1999.

What conflicting information exists about Bruna Caroline Ferreira’s legal status and criminal record?

While DHS labeled her a "criminal illegal alien" citing a previous battery arrest, her attorney claims she entered the U.S. under DACA and has no criminal record.

How has Karoline Leavitt's family responded to Bruna Caroline Ferreira’s detention?

Some family members have publicly criticized the lack of assistance offered to Ferreira, and her sister has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover her legal expenses.

8 sources

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1M ago

ICE Detains Woman Connected to White House Press Secretary's Family Over Visa Allegations

Bruna Caroline Ferreira, mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, was detained by ICE in Massachusetts for allegedly overstaying her visa, sparking family criticism.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Bruna Caroline Ferreira, identified as the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew, was arrested by ICE agents in Revere, Massachusetts.

Ferreira was detained for allegedly overstaying her U.S. tourist visa by 26 years, having entered as a child and been required to depart by June 1999.

DHS confirmed a previous battery arrest and labeled her a "criminal illegal alien," though her attorney claims she entered under DACA with no criminal record.

Ferreira, who maintains a relationship with her son, is the former partner of Michael Leavitt, and her sister initiated a GoFundMe for legal expenses.

Currently held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana, her detention has drawn public criticism from some of Karoline Leavitt's family members for lack of assistance.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of the arrest of Bruna Caroline Ferreira. They report conflicting claims from government officials and Ferreira's attorney and family without editorializing. The coverage focuses on detailing the facts of the case and the differing legal interpretations, allowing readers to weigh the information themselves.

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Mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew arrested by ICE

Chicago Tribune•1M ago

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ICE detains WH Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew's mother

USA TODAY•1M ago

FAQ

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: Bruna Caroline Ferreira is the mother of the nephew of Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, and was previously the partner of Michael Leavitt.
Sources:
The New York Times
: She was detained for allegedly overstaying her U.S. tourist visa by 26 years, having entered the U.S. as a child and required to depart by June 1999.
Sources:
NBC News
: While DHS labeled her a "criminal illegal alien" citing a previous battery arrest, her attorney claims she entered the U.S. under DACA and has no criminal record.
Sources:
CNN
: Some family members have publicly criticized the lack of assistance offered to Ferreira, and her sister has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover her legal expenses.
Sources:
The Washington Post
: She is currently held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana.
Sources:
Global Security

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