Bruna Ferreira Pushes Back
Bruna Ferreira, mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, is speaking out against what she calls a false and “disgusting” portrayal of her by the administration. In an interview with The Washington Post, Ferreira said she regrets trusting Leavitt as her son’s godmother and questioned why the White House is “creating this narrative.”
Background on the Case
Ferreira, a Brazilian national who came to the U.S. legally at age 6 and once held DACA status, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 12. Officials say she overstayed her visa as a child. DHS has described her as a “criminal illegal alien,” referencing a 2008 fight when she was 16. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, says she was never arrested and that the case was dismissed.
Disputed Claims
Contrary to the White House’s depiction of her as an absentee mother, Ferreira maintains close ties to the Leavitt family. She says she personally chose Karoline Leavitt to be her son’s godmother—a decision she now regrets. Pomerleau told Newsweek that Ferreira has no criminal record and that her relationship with the family has been peaceful.
Michael Leavitt, father of Ferreira’s son, denies any role in her arrest, telling the Post that he wants his child to maintain a relationship with his mother.
What’s Next
Ferreira remains in ICE detention in Louisiana and faces deportation proceedings. She says she has not been able to speak with her son since her arrest.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.