An immigration judge in the United States has granted bail to a Brazilian woman, Bruna Ferreira, who has family connections to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, as she faces deportation proceedings.
According to the Associated Press, Ferreira, a 33-year-old resident of Massachusetts for several years, was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on November 12 while driving to New Hampshire to pick up her 11-year-old son.
Ferreira was previously engaged to Leavitt's brother, Michael, and they share a child.
After being held in a detention center in Louisiana, a judge ruled that Ferreira could be released on a $1,500 bail.
Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, stated that the government did not oppose the bail request, acknowledging that she was neither a threat nor a flight risk.
However, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson labeled Ferreira as an "illegal immigrant with a criminal record," claiming she had been arrested for assault, a charge her lawyer refuted.
The authorities have stipulated that Ferreira must report periodically to ICE to adhere to the conditions of her release.
Pomerleau mentioned that Ferreira arrived in the United States as a child and later participated in the DACA program, initiated during Barack Obama's administration, which shields young immigrants brought by their parents from deportation.
Ferreira was in the process of applying for permanent residency when she was detained.
Karoline Leavitt, originally from New Hampshire, served as the spokesperson for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and currently holds the position of press secretary at the White House.
Key Questions on Immigration and Legal Proceedings
What led to Bruna Ferreira's detention by ICE?
Bruna Ferreira was detained by ICE agents while driving to New Hampshire to pick up her son, as she was facing deportation proceedings.
Why did the judge decide to release Ferreira on bail?
The judge allowed Ferreira's release on bail because the government acknowledged she was not a danger or flight risk.
What conditions must Ferreira meet after her release?
After her release, Ferreira is required to report periodically to ICE to comply with her release conditions.