Concord, N.H., November 28, 2025
Bruna Ferreira, a Massachusetts business owner, remains in ICE custody following her arrest on November 12 while picking up her son in New Hampshire. Detained over allegations related to visa overstays and past arrests, her attorney disputes these claims. The case highlights ongoing immigration policy debates and is connected to Karoline Leavitt, a White House official. Ferreira, a DACA participant, is currently taking steps toward permanent residency, while her legal team challenges DHS’s allegations.
Bruna Ferreira Detained by ICE: A Complex Immigration Case in New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. — Bruna Ferreira, a 33-year-old Massachusetts business owner and former fiancée of Michael Leavitt, brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, remains in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody two weeks after her arrest on November 12. Ferreira was detained while en route to pick up her 11-year-old son in New Hampshire. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, stated that she was not informed of the reason for her detention and was subsequently transferred between multiple states before being placed in a detention facility in Louisiana.
Ferreira entered the United States from Brazil as a child and later enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. She is currently in the process of applying for a green card. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that Ferreira overstayed her tourist visa, which expired in 1999, and has a prior arrest for battery. Pomerleau denies these allegations, asserting that Ferreira has no criminal history and is a law-abiding business owner and mother.
The White House has declined to comment on the matter. The case has drawn attention due to its connection to Karoline Leavitt, who has been a vocal advocate for strict immigration enforcement policies. This incident highlights the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies and their impact on individuals and families.
Background on Bruna Ferreira
Bruna Ferreira, originally from Brazil, moved to the United States with her family as a child. She later became engaged to Michael Leavitt, with whom she shares an 11-year-old son. Despite their engagement ending, Ferreira and Leavitt have maintained a co-parenting relationship. Ferreira has been a participant in the DACA program and is in the process of applying for permanent residency.
Legal Proceedings and Family Impact
Ferreira’s arrest has raised concerns about the treatment of DACA recipients and individuals with family ties to U.S. citizens. Her attorney is challenging the allegations made by DHS, emphasizing Ferreira’s contributions to her community and her role as a mother. The case continues to unfold, with legal proceedings underway to determine Ferreira’s future in the United States.
Implications for Immigration Policy
This case underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding U.S. immigration policies, particularly concerning individuals with longstanding ties to the country. It also brings attention to the experiences of DACA recipients and their families amid evolving immigration enforcement practices.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Detained | Bruna Ferreira, 33-year-old Massachusetts business owner from Brazil |
| Relationship to White House Official | Former fiancée of Michael Leavitt, brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt |
| Reason for Detention | Alleged overstaying of tourist visa and prior arrest for battery (denied by attorney) |
| Legal Status | Participant in DACA program, in process of applying for green card |
| Current Location | Detention facility in Louisiana |
| Family Impact | 11-year-old son living with father in New Hampshire, co-parenting relationship maintained |
| White House Response | Declined to comment on the matter |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Bruna Ferreira?
Bruna Ferreira is a 33-year-old Massachusetts business owner from Brazil, formerly engaged to Michael Leavitt, brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She has an 11-year-old son and has been a participant in the DACA program.
Why was Bruna Ferreira detained by ICE?
Ferreira was detained by ICE on November 12 while en route to pick up her son in New Hampshire. The Department of Homeland Security alleges she overstayed her tourist visa, which expired in 1999, and has a prior arrest for battery. Ferreira’s attorney denies these allegations, stating she has no criminal history.
What is the DACA program?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, established during the Obama administration, provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children and meet certain criteria.
What is the current status of Bruna Ferreira’s legal case?
Ferreira’s attorney is challenging the allegations made by the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing her contributions to the community and her role as a mother. Legal proceedings are ongoing to determine her future in the United States.
How has the White House responded to this incident?
The White House has declined to comment on the matter, citing the personal nature of the situation and the involvement of family members.
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