White House Spokeswoman's Relative in Brazil Detained – Shocking Twist Revealed!

A fundraising campaign to support Bruna Ferreira, the mother of the White House press secretary's nephew, has successfully surpassed its legal-defense goal, raising over $34,000 in just a few days. Despite this show of support, Ferreira remains in immigration detention in Louisiana as the Thanksgiving holiday passes.

Bruna Ferreira, 33, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on November 12 in Revere, Massachusetts, while attempting to pick up her 11-year-old son, whom she shares with Michael Leavitt, the brother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that Ferreira, a Brazilian national, is being held for allegedly overstaying a tourist visa that lapsed in 1999.

The public's response to Ferreira's plight has been overwhelming. On the GoFundMe page, her family expressed their gratitude, stating, "We reached—and quickly surpassed—our fundraising goal," thanks to attorney Todd Pomerleau and his team. As of November 28, the campaign had raised $34,325 against a $30,000 goal.

Despite this financial backing, Ferreira's situation remains dire. She is currently held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, awaiting removal proceedings. Pomerleau has publicly disputed the claims made by DHS, asserting that "Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever," and that she has lived in the U.S. since she was six years old.

Ferreira's detention has sparked discussion about immigration enforcement policies that have become a flashpoint in recent years, particularly since the Trump administration ramped up deportations. The case has drawn international media attention, especially given the familial ties to Leavitt, who has faced criticism for her "radio silence" regarding Ferreira's arrest.

The family's Thanksgiving message reflected their gratitude despite the setback, stating, "This Thanksgiving looks very different for our family… we are overwhelmed with gratitude… your compassion has reminded us just how powerful unity is." They promised to keep supporters updated as they continue their fight for Ferreira's release.

Notably, a source close to the Leavitt family disclosed that the child has been living with his father in New Hampshire and indicated that Ferreira and Karoline Leavitt "have not spoken in many years." The emotional strain of the situation has undoubtedly affected the family dynamic, especially as Ferreira's detention progresses without resolution.

As the case unfolds, it raises broader questions about immigration enforcement and the impact of policies on families like Ferreira's. The government's claims regarding her status and history are being met with pushback, but for now, she remains in detention, a reminder of the complex realities surrounding the U.S. immigration system.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment regarding the situation, which continues to develop as Ferreira's family seeks to bring her home.