Karoline Leavitt’s family member freed from ICE after facing deportation in bombshell revelation

Brazilian national Bruna Ferreira was detained by ICE on November 12 and faced possible deportation after being stopped while driving to pick up her son from school.

Ferreira, who has lived in the U.S. since childhood, shares a son with Michael Leavitt, the brother of political figure Karoline Leavitt. Although previously engaged, the couple separated years ago.

ICE labeled her a “criminal illegal alien,” stating she overstayed a B2 tourist visa that required her to leave the U.S. in 1999. The DHS reiterated that, under the current administration, anyone without legal status is subject to removal.

Ferreira’s family pushed back, saying she considers herself more American than Brazilian. Reports noted that Karoline did not contact Bruna, while the Leavitt family patriarch suggested she should “self-deport.”

After nearly four weeks in custody at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, Ferreira was granted release on bond. Judge Cynthia Goodman approved the lowest available bond amount—$1,500—and DHS did not oppose her release.

Her attorneys argued that claims portraying her as a criminal with a record were false, pointing out she has no criminal convictions. They also disputed allegations that she is uninvolved in her son’s life.

Ferreira told The Washington Post that she regularly sees her son and maintains contact with the Leavitt family during school events and visits. She called accusations that her son never lived with her “disgusting,” adding that she and Michael share custody.