In a recent turn of events, immigration authorities detained a relative of Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on immigration violations. This incident, which highlights the administration’s rigorous enforcement measures, involves Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a Brazilian national, according to reports from CNN and NBC News.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Ferreira’s detention, identifying her as a “criminal illegal alien” who overstayed her tourist visa, which expired back in June 1999. Furthermore, a DHS spokesperson revealed to CBS News that Ferreira has a past arrest related to battery charges. However, details regarding the outcome of that case remain undisclosed.
Ferreira was taken into custody earlier this month in Revere, Massachusetts. She is currently being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center as officials work towards her removal from the United States, as stated by DHS officials.
Inside sources familiar with the situation shared with CNN that Leavitt’s nephew, the son of Ferreira, resides full-time in New Hampshire with his father, Michael Leavitt. It’s important to note that Ferreira and the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, have reportedly not been in contact for several years.
This case underscores the far-reaching impact of immigration policies and how they can touch even those connected to the highest offices in the country.
Ferreira is currently being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center while officials pursue her removal from the country, DHS said.
The administration has repeatedly emphasized its broadened approach to immigration enforcement.
ICE currently has about 6,500 deportation officers, and it is aggressively looking to beef up those numbers. Acting Director Todd Lyons says he wants to hire an additional 10,000 by year’s end.
Since Trump re-entered the White House in January 2025, ICE has markedly ramped up its enforcement operations nationwide. Internal agency data shows arrests surged well beyond levels under the previous administration. More than 100,000 people had been detained by ICE by mid-summer.
Enforcement flights, deportations and domestic transfers have also climbed sharply to a record high: between January and October 2025, more than 10,000 immigration-enforcement flights were logged.
Critics note the majority of those detained under the intensified crackdown lack criminal records or serious charges. Data reviewed by civil-rights groups shows a steep increase in arrests of noncitizens without criminal histories, calling into question a central administration pledge that its deportation efforts would focus on violent or dangerous offenders.
