Bruna Ferreira, a 33-year-old Brazilian national, is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. Ferreira was apprehended while on her way to pick up her 11-year-old son from school in Revere, Massachusetts. In an interview, she criticized Leavitt for portraying her as an absentee parent, stating that they once shared a close relationship. Ferreira expressed confusion over the narrative being constructed about her, especially given their past interactions, including attending her son's football games together with Leavitt's family.

Leavitt, who serves as the White House Press Secretary and has been a prominent advocate for former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, has faced scrutiny as her familial ties to Ferreira complicate her public stance on immigration. Following Ferreira's detention, White House officials have sought to distance Leavitt from her, with claims that Leavitt has not been in contact with Ferreira for years. However, Ferreira's attorney has refuted allegations that she has a criminal history, asserting that no public records support such claims.

The attorney also noted that Ferreira was in the process of obtaining a green card and had been protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offers certain undocumented immigrants relief from deportation. Ferreira's ex-fiancé, Michael Leavitt, has made statements regarding her parenting, which Ferreira contests, citing past cohabitation.

A video of Ferreira's arrest shows her being surrounded by unmarked vehicles and detained without a warrant, raising concerns about the methods employed by ICE. Ferreira expressed distress over the impact of her detention on her son, emphasizing the emotional toll of being separated from him during a critical time. The situation highlights the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies on families and individuals seeking stability in the U.S.