The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on 26/11 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a 33-year-old Brazilian national. She is currently detained at an ICE facility in Louisiana.

Ferreira was the former fiancee of Michael Leavitt, brother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. They share an 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Jr.

Bruna Caroline Ferreira, mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew. *The Times*.

The Boston Globe reported Ferreira's arrest on 12/11 in Revere, Massachusetts. She was driving from her home to pick up her son at school in neighboring New Hampshire when ICE agents stopped her. They requested her driver's license, but she lacked identification.

According to DHS, Ferreira entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa. She overstayed her visa, which expired in 6/1999. She also had a prior arrest for assault.

Defense attorney Jeffrey Rubin stated Ferreira is applying for a green card. She is also protected from deportation under DACA, a program for individuals brought to the U.S. unlawfully as children.

White House sources confirmed Ferreira is the mother of press secretary Karoline's nephew. However, Ferreira and Karoline have not spoken for many years. Leavitt Jr. has lived with his father in New Hampshire since childhood, and Michael has since married someone else.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a press conference on 22/9. *AP*.

Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, Ferreira's sister, launched a GoFundMe campaign for legal defense against ICE. The campaign aims to help Ferreira remain in the U.S. Rodrigues described Ferreira as a devoted and hardworking mother.

"Ferreira worked to build a stable, honest life here. She maintained legal immigration status through DACA, complied with all requirements, and always tried to do the right thing," the fundraising page stated. It added that her son hopes she returns before the holidays.

By Nhu Tam (Reuters, Guardian)