August M
A Brazilian-born mother who has lived in the US since childhood is now in ICE detention, CNN reports, after an arrest that unexpectedly drew political scrutiny because her son’s aunt is White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Bruna Ferreira had spent nearly her entire life in the United States, building a childhood, career and family in suburban Boston.
Her routine was upended this month when she was detained by immigration officers while leaving home to pick up her son from school — one of many arrests under President Donald Trump’s expanded deportation push.
Her case drew national attention only after a family detail emerged: her son’s aunt is White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Long American life
According to CNN’s reporting, Ferreira arrived from Brazil at age six and grew up in Massachusetts, playing high school tennis and later marrying a classmate. She divorced in 2014 and soon entered a relationship with Michael Leavitt, Karoline Leavitt’s older brother. The pair share an 11-year-old son.
Ferreira’s sister told The Boston Globe that, during the arrest, Bruna mentioned her family connection, hoping it might help. “I’m sure she tried to just use whatever she could come up with in the moment,” she said.
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, told CNN that Ferreira once held protection under the Obama-era DACA policy and has been pursuing a green card for decades.
He argued that her childhood visa overstay should not define her. “A 6-year-old isn’t responsible for breaking the law,” he said.
Disputed portrayal
The Trump administration has described Ferreira as a “criminal illegal alien.” Her lawyers counter that she has no criminal record and was living a settled life running a small cleaning business and regularly driving to New Hampshire to see her son.
Court records and past news coverage show she lived for several years with Michael Leavitt in New Hampshire, where their son now resides. Leavitt told CNN affiliate WMUR that the situation is “difficult” and that the boy has not spoken to his mother since her detention.
Ferreira’s sister said the family has not heard from Karoline Leavitt and that Michael once suggested Bruna “self-deport,” a suggestion she rejected. “The US is her home,” she said.
Soruces. CNN- The Boston globe
