A woman who is the mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew has been apprehended by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This situation, apparently, did not spare the highest political circles from the consequences of Trump's migration policy. The discussion concerns Bruna Caroline Ferreira — the ex-wife of Leavitt’s brother, Michael Leavitt.
A Dual View: Violation of Law or Injustice?
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ferreira did not leave the country after her tourist visa expired in 1999 and was described as a Brazilian citizen who overstayed her legal term. Officials also mentioned her previous apprehension related to physical violence. She is currently being held at an ICE detention center in Louisiana and is preparing for deportation.
However, Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerlo, strongly denies this information. According to him, his client has no criminal history, is not a "criminal illegal immigrant," and was brought to the US by her parents as a child. She was a DACA participant, but could not renew her status in time due to Trump’s attempts to end the program during his first presidential term. She has currently submitted a lawful application for US citizenship.
Details of the Arrest and the Political Paradox
Ferreira was stopped and apprehended by ICE officials near Boston on November 12 while going to pick up her son in New Hampshire. Her ex-husband, Michael Leavitt, who shares joint custody, stated that his greatest concern in this situation is the psychological state of his son.
A DHS representative, commenting to the AP agency, reminded that the DACA program does not provide a full guarantee of protection from deportation, nor does it grant full legal status in the US. This case shows that the intensified deportation policy of the Trump administration is affecting even the relatives of high-ranking White House officials. Ferreira is currently awaiting deportation at the ICE center in Louisiana.
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