In brief
Bruna Ferreira, 33, was apprehended by ICE two weeks ago while on her way to pick up her son from school. Ferreira's attorney claims her detention is based on unsubstantiated charges and emphasizes her stable life as a business owner and dedicated mother. The situation raises questions about immigration practices, particularly concerning DACA recipients and their rights.
CONCORD, N.H. — A Massachusetts woman, Bruna Ferreira, who was once engaged to the brother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, remains in ICE custody two weeks after being arrested on her way to pick up her son from school.
According to her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, Ferreira was stopped in Revere, Massachusetts on November 12, but was not informed about the reasons for her detention. Pomerleau criticized the handling of the case, describing it as an 'unconstitutional merry-go-round' that saw Ferreira moved between multiple states.
Michael Leavitt, Ferreira's former fiancé, currently resides in New Hampshire with their 11-year-old son. Despite the end of their engagement, both parents have maintained a shared custody and co-parenting arrangement. Pomerleau contends, 'She’s not dangerous. She’s not a flight risk. She’s not a criminal illegal alien,' detailing Ferreira's established life as a tax-paying business owner.
When reached for comment, Michael Leavitt did not respond, and the White House press secretary opted not to comment on the matter. Ferreira, who emigrated from Brazil at a young age and enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, was in the process of applying for a green card at the time of her arrest.
The Department of Homeland Security stated Ferreira entered the U.S. on a tourist visa that has since expired, and they indicated she had a prior arrest for battery, a claim Pomerleau disputes. He asserts that no evidence of such criminal activity exists in court records from Massachusetts.
Pomerleau demands transparency, stating, 'Show us the proof.' He argues that had there been any verifiable criminal record, she would have been deported long ago.
The situation is further complicated by changes in immigration policy, which include shifts targeting DACA recipients. Recent statements from the Department of Homeland Security underscore that DACA does not guarantee legal protection against deportation.
