A 33‑year‑old Brazilian woman connected to former Trump spokesperson Caroline Leavitt was arrested on Nov. 12 in Revere, Massachusetts, and is now being held in Louisiana pending deportation.
Arrest in Revere, Massachusetts
Police detained Bruna Caroline Ferreira, 33, a Brazilian citizen, on Nov. 12 in Revere, Massachusetts, according to a lawyer who spoke with CNN. No specific circumstances of the arrest were released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The New York Post reports that she is currently held in Louisiana awaiting deportation.
Connection to Former Trump Spokesperson
Ferreira was associated with Caroline Leavitt, a former spokesperson for President Trump. A White House source said she had had no family ties with Leavitt for years and had not maintained contact with the former spokesperson.
Prior Legal History and DACA
Ferreira came to the United States as a child on a tourist visa, staying until a required departure date of June 6, 1999. She reportedly participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which permits work and offers temporary protection for undocumented children brought to the U.S. before the age of 16. Earlier, she was allegedly arrested for assault.
Family Support Effort
Her sister organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal fees for the detention. The campaign notes Ferreira “has done everything she can to build a stable, honest life… she maintained her status through DACA” and stresses the case is “particularly painful” for her 11‑year‑old son, who needs his mother daily and hopes to return home for the holidays.
Increase in Detentions Nationwide
Immigration and Customs Enforcement numbers of detainees rose to 66,000 at the start of November, up almost 70 percent from January, according to CBS News citing immigration advocacy groups. The Biden/Trump administrations have increased resources; $45 billion have been allocated to expand detention capacity to hold up to 70,000 people, up from about 40,000 in January.