In a dramatic turn of events that highlights the complexities of US immigration enforcement, the sister-in-law of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been detained by immigration authorities and faces deportation to Brazil.
Family Connection to Trump Administration Revealed
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, who is married to Leavitt's brother Michael and is the mother of her nephew, was arrested near Boston on November 12, 2025, according to reports from CNN. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed her detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The situation presents a challenging scenario for the Trump administration, which has maintained a strong stance on immigration enforcement. Karoline Leavitt serves as the primary spokesperson for the White House, regularly addressing media questions about administration policies.
Two Decades of Illegal Stay in United States
Official records reveal that Ferreira has been living in the United States illegally since 1999, having overstayed her tourist visa after it expired. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security provided detailed information about her immigration status to news outlets.
The DHS described Ferreira as "a criminal illegal alien from Brazil" with "a previous arrest for battery" in their official statement. This characterization aligns with the administration's frequent emphasis on removing individuals with criminal records from the country.
Deportation Process Underway
Immigration authorities have confirmed that Ferreira is currently in the process of being deported from the United States. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of her family connection to the Trump administration.
This development comes amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement priorities and the treatment of individuals who have lived in the United States for extended periods without legal status. The case underscores how immigration policies affect families across different segments of society, including those connected to political figures.
The White House has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter, and it remains unclear how this personal family situation might impact the administration's public messaging on immigration enforcement.
