Mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew arrested by ICE

A relative of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying a tourist visa.

Bruna Caroline Ferreira is a “criminal illegal alien” from Brazil, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said. She entered the U.S. on a B-2 Tourist Visa and didn’t leave when it expired in June 1999.

She was detained in Massachusetts this month, according to reports.

The spokesperson said Ms. Ferreira is being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center and is in removal proceedings.

“Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation,” the DHS spokesperson said.

Ms. Ferreira is the mother of Ms. Leavitt’s nephew by way of her brother, Michael Leavitt, and they have not spoken in years, according to a source. The nephew lives with Ms. Leavitt’s brother in New Hampshire.

Ms. Ferreira has a previous arrest for battery.

In a statement to WBUR, a public radio station in Boston, Mr. Leavitt said, “My only concern has always been the safety, well-being and privacy of my son.”

Ferreira’s sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, has set up a GoFundMe page to aid with legal costs and fight the charges. The page features photos of Ms. Ferreira and her son, Michael Leavitt Jr., who is 11.

“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 page says. “Bruna’s absence has been especially painful for her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Junior, who needs his mother and hopes every single day that she’ll be home in time for the holidays.”

The page adds, “We are asking for financial help to cover the legal fees and expenses needed to give Bruna the best possible chance to return home to her family. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page also helps more than you know.”

It has raised nearly $20,000.

Ferreira’s lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, told WBUR that she has a relationship with her son and shares custody with Mr. Leavitt.

Mr. Pomerleau added he’s unaware of battery charges Ms. Ferreira faced.

The Trump administration has cracked down on illegal immigrants in the country, and Ms. Leavitt has touted those efforts.