A Brazilian mother caught up in the U.S. immigration system is now out on bond, continuing her fight against possible deportation.
Bruna Ferreira, 33, has family ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, which has added a high-profile angle to her ongoing legal battle.
Release and Bond Details
Ferreira was released from the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center on Monday after an immigration judge set her bond at $1,500—the lowest possible amount.
This decision allows her to remain free while pursuing her case in court.
Family Connections and Custody
Bruna shares custody of her 11-year-old son with her former fiancé, Michael Leavitt, who happens to be Karoline Leavitt’s brother.
ICE arrested Ferreira on November 12 as she was picking up her son from school, triggering concern among her family and community.
Her attorneys emphasized that she maintains frequent contact with the Leavitt family and plays an active role in her son’s life.
Ferreira even described Karoline as a younger sister figure and revealed that she had been chosen as her son’s godmother.
Legal Arguments and Defense
Ferreira’s lawyer, Jason Thomas, challenged the government’s claims that she is a “criminal illegal alien,” pointing out that her prior arrest for battery is “both unfair and untrue.”
Lucas Vega, representing the Department of Homeland Security, did not contest her release on bond, agreeing that Ferreira is neither a danger to society nor a flight risk.
While the Trump administration has historically sought to limit bond for undocumented immigrants, in this case, the government did not oppose the judge’s decision.
Life in the U.S. and Immigration History
Ferreira has no criminal convictions and has lived in the U.S. since she was six years old.
Her lawyers noted that she tried for years to gain legal status and previously avoided deportation under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
She highlighted how deeply rooted she is in her son’s life, taking him to school, sports events, and outings like Dave & Buster’s.
She also buys him gifts, ranging from video games to teddy bears and boxing gloves, showing the personal side of her involvement as a mother.
Personal Statement
Speaking about her time in ICE custody, Ferreira described it as insulting to face potential deportation to Brazil after spending nearly her entire life in the United States.
Her case underscores the complexities faced by long-term undocumented residents, particularly those with close family ties in the country.
What’s Next for Bruna Ferreira
With her release on bond, Ferreira now faces the next stage of her immigration case.
She will appear before an immigration judge to formally contest deportation, presenting evidence of her long-term residence, family ties, and clean criminal record.
Her attorneys plan to emphasize her deep roots in the U.S., her active parenting role, and her connections with the Leavitt family, arguing that she is neither a flight risk nor a threat to society.
Meanwhile, Ferreira will continue to live freely in Louisiana, caring for her son and maintaining her daily routine, while the legal process unfolds.
The case could take months, or potentially longer, as the court evaluates her eligibility to remain in the U.S. legally.
Immigration advocates note that cases like Ferreira’s highlight the human side of the deportation debate, particularly for individuals brought to the country as children who have grown up fully integrated into American life.
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