A relative of Karoline Leavitt now faces deportation to Brazil and leaving her son behind after being detained by ICE officials.
The frequently controversial White House press secretary’s family member has now been impacted by the many ICE raids that she has championed during her time in the White House.
Her 11-year-old nephew Michael Leavitt Jr’s mother Bruna Ferreira is currently in ICE custody and could be deported to Brazil.
Ferreira was the former fiancée of her brother Michael Leavitt, who lives in New Hampshire. Before ending the relationship the pair had raised their son together.
A source familiar with the matter spoke to the Daily Beast and commented on the nature of the relationship between Leavitt and Ferreira.
They told the outlet: “This individual is the mother of Karoline’s nephew and they have not spoken in many years. The child has lived full-time in New Hampshire with his father since he was born. He has never resided with his mother.”
Karoline’s brother Michael said: “The only concern has always been the safety, well-being, and privacy of my son.”
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson also spoke to the outlet and insisted that Ferreira is a ‘criminal illegal alien from Brazil.’ She is currently detained at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is due to go through the removal proceedings.
The spokesperson said: “She has a previous arrest for battery. She entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the U.S. by June 6, 1999.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.”
The GoFundMe page that has been set up by her sister, argues against these claims by the spokesperson, however.
The fundraiser page also claims that the entire episode has been difficult on the 11 year-old Michael Jr.
The page read: “My sister, Bruna, was recently detained by immigration and is now fighting to stay in the country she has called home for nearly her entire life.
“Bruna was brought to the United States by our parents in December of 1998, when she was just a child, entering on a visa. Since then, she has done everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here.
“She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing.”
The GoFundMe page closes by asking for financial support to cover the legal feels to ensure Ferreira has the best chance of staying in the US.