A Brazilian-born woman with personal ties to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been granted bond and released from immigration detention, adding new layers of complexity to a case that has triggered conflicting public claims about her immigration history, legal status, and relationship to the Leavitt family.

ICE Arrest and Bond Decision

Bruna Ferreira, a long-term Massachusetts resident, received a $1,500 bond from an immigration judge in Louisiana on Monday, allowing her to leave U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody while she contests potential deportation.

Ferreira was detained last month while driving to pick up her 11-year-old son in New Hampshire. She was previously engaged to Karoline Leavitt’s brother, Michael Leavitt, with whom she shares a child.

Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, said the judge agreed Ferreira did not pose a danger or flight risk. According to him, federal officials did not oppose the bond, did not argue that she was unlawfully present, and waived their right to challenge the ruling.

Conflicting Claims From the White House and DHS

The case has drawn national attention largely because of Ferreira’s past connection to Karoline Leavitt, who has become one of the most visible defenders of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.

White House officials have attempted to distance Leavitt from the situation, stating that she has not spoken to Ferreira “in years.” They have also cast doubt on Ferreira’s character and parental role, though they have not provided supporting evidence.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described Ferreira as a “criminal illegal alien”, alleging she had a prior detention related to battery—an accusation her lawyer strongly denies. DHS also claimed she overstayed a B2 tourist visa issued in the 1990s.

Pomerleau disputes this narrative, stating Ferreira entered the U.S. as a child, later enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, and has maintained lawful status under DACA while seeking a green card.

Documents Suggest Close Relationship With the Leavitt Family

Though the White House has denied recent contact, court documents, family photographs, and prior reporting suggest Ferreira had a close relationship with the Leavitt family for years.

• She shared custody of her son with Michael Leavitt.
• In 2014, they were engaged when their son was eight months old, according to the North Andover Eagle-Tribune.
• Ferreira told The Washington Post she had chosen Karoline Leavitt as her child’s godmother.

These details contradict claims by a Trump administration official who described Ferreira as someone who “never lived with her son” and who had minimal involvement in his upbringing. Ferreira called these assertions “disgusting” and untrue.

Immigration Status Under Scrutiny

According to her attorney, Ferreira has been protected under DACA for years and has no disqualifying criminal record. He emphasizes she is working toward a green card and has complied with immigration requirements throughout adulthood.

DHS maintains that she overstayed her original visa and must continue reporting to ICE as part of her release. She is now required to attend regular check-ins with immigration officers while her case proceeds.

Political Sensitivity for the Trump Administration

Karoline Leavitt, a central figure in the Trump White House and a former spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign, has not commented publicly on Ferreira’s case.

Her connection to a DACA recipient — while serving as a high-profile advocate of strict immigration enforcement — has fueled political interest and criticism from both supporters and opponents of current federal policy.

Leavitt has been a vocal defender of expanded immigration raids and tougher deportation measures, making this case particularly sensitive for the administration.

What Comes Next for Ferreira?

Ferreira’s legal battle is far from over. She will continue pursuing permanent residency while defending against deportation proceedings. The case could take months or years to resolve.

For now, her release offers temporary relief, but the public dispute surrounding her background, relationship to the Leavitt family, and legal status ensures the situation will remain under national scrutiny.