Chicago – December 07, 2025
Bruna Ferreira, a 33-year-old Brazilian immigrant currently held in a remote Louisiana detention center, is pushing back against the White House’s portrayal of her as a criminal and absentee parent. Speaking from custody in a video interview, Ferreira detailed her long-standing ties with the family of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt including choosing Leavitt to be her son’s godmother.
Ferreira, who has lived in the United States for most of her life, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Nov. 12 for overstaying a childhood visa, a civil violation. She said the Trump administration’s depiction of her as a dangerous offender is deeply hurtful, especially as she sits in an orange jumpsuit facing potential deportation to Brazil.
According to Ferreira, her connection to the Leavitt family has always been close. She allowed her son to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll earlier this year and said she made every effort to ensure he could be present at Karoline Leavitt’s wedding in January. “I chose Karoline to be my son’s godmother instead of my own sister,” Ferreira said. “I trusted her. I don’t understand why they’re creating this story.”
In the days following her arrest, the White House communications office characterized Ferreira as a neglectful mother who had not interacted with Leavitt in years. Officials also circulated a Department of Homeland Security statement labeling her a “criminal” with a prior battery arrest claims the administration has not provided documentation to support.
However, court records, family photos, and Ferreira’s personal account paint a different picture. Ferreira said she met Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother, at a nightclub years ago. Their relationship grew serious they became engaged, moved in together in New Hampshire, and later welcomed a son. Although the couple split in 2015, they continued to share responsibilities for their now-11-year-old child.
Ferreira said she remains an active parent and frequently sees the Leavitt family while visiting her son, attending his school activities, and cheering for him at sports events. She described Karoline Leavitt as someone she once considered a little sister a stark contrast to Leavitt’s current role as a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration agenda.
While the White House and DHS often issue sharp statements about undocumented immigrants, Ferreira said she never expected to be portrayed this harshly. “My son is a Leavitt,” she said. “And I’ve always been part of that family.”
