The brother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has publicly denied any role in the recent arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of his former partner, a case that has drawn national attention and placed the administration's immigration stance under fresh scrutiny.
Detention and Disputed Narratives
Bruna Ferreira, a Brazilian immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of six, was taken into custody by ICE on November 12, 2025. The arrest was made on the grounds of overstaying her visa. Ferreira had been protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which shields certain undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children from deportation.
The case escalated due to Ferreira's personal connection to the Leavitt family. She shares a young son with Michael Leavitt, the brother of the White House Press Secretary. Following the arrest, the White House moved to distance itself from Ferreira, publicly portraying her as an absent mother. Both Ferreira and available court records strongly contest this characterisation.
A Contentious History and Family Ties
Ferreira has expressed deep offence at being labelled a 'criminal' by the Department of Homeland Security. She also revealed a once-close relationship with Karoline Leavitt, whom she once viewed as a "younger sister." The situation is further complicated by a protracted and bitter custody battle over her son with Michael Leavitt.
Despite Michael Leavitt's current denial of involvement in the ICE action, court documents indicate he previously threatened to have Ferreira deported during their legal disputes. This history has fuelled speculation and media interest, transforming a personal immigration case into a story of political significance.
National Repercussions and Ongoing Fallout
The arrest has ignited a wider debate, highlighting tensions between official narratives and personal testimonies in sensitive immigration cases. It raises questions about the application of immigration enforcement and the intersection of personal family disputes with public policy. The White House's attempt to manage the story is being directly challenged by Ferreira's account and the emerging details from legal filings.
As the story develops, it continues to attract significant coverage, putting a human face on the complex and often divisive issue of immigration in America. The outcome of Ferreira's case and the resolution of the custody battle are being watched closely, with advocates seeing it as a test of fairness and consistency within the system.
