ICE Arrests Mother of White House Staffer’s Nephew in Louisiana Visa Case

Immigration authorities have detained a Brazilian woman with family ties to a top White House official. Burna Caroline Ferreria was arrested by ICE agents in Louisiana. She is the mother of a nephew belonging to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Ferreria now faces deportation after overstaying a tourist visa for decades. The case highlights complex immigration enforcement and family dynamics. It was first reported by Scripps News, bringing immediate public and political attention.

Decades-Long Visa Overstay Leads to Detention

According to Department of Homeland Security records, Ferreria entered the U.S. legally. She arrived on a B-2 tourist visa with an expiration date of June 6, 1999. She never left, becoming one of thousands who overstay visas each year.

ICE took her into custody at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirmed she has no criminal record. He criticized the arrest conditions, calling the facility a “nice hellhole.”

Pomerleau stated the arrest was unrelated to her family connection. He emphasized Ferreria shared custody of her son with Leavitt’s brother. This claim about custody would soon become a major point of public dispute.

White House Disputes Key Custody Claims

The White House quickly challenged the attorney’s narrative. An official statement clarified the child’s living situation. It said the boy has lived full-time with his father in New Hampshire since birth.

The statement added the child has never resided with his mother. This directly contradicts the shared custody claim made by Ferreria’s legal team. The contradiction adds a layer of complexity to the humanitarian aspects of the case.

A source familiar with the Trump administration provided more context. They told Scripps News that Leavitt and Ferreria have not spoken in years. This suggests a distant relationship, minimizing the direct political connection.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

Ferreria’s case is not unique in the scope of U.S. immigration enforcement. Visa overstays represent a significant portion of the undocumented population. The B-2 tourist visa is among the most commonly overstayed.

Yet, her detention prompts questions about enforcement priorities and transparency. Advocates often criticize ICE for a lack of clear communication with families. This case exemplifies those systemic issues.

The political dimension is unavoidable given Leavitt’s high-profile role. It tests the principle of uniform application of immigration law. There is no evidence Leavitt has interfered or that her position triggered the arrest.

Her legal team continues to fight the deportation order. The outcome remains uncertain in a system known for lengthy proceedings. The final decision will hinge on immigration court judges.

This ICE arrest underscores the difficult intersection of family law, immigration policy, and public life. It reveals a system where long-resident individuals can face sudden removal, creating personal and political ripples.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who is Burna Caroline Ferreria?

Burna Caroline Ferreria is a Brazilian national and the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew. She entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa that expired in 1999 and was recently arrested by ICE in Louisiana.

What visa did Ferreria overstay?

She overstayed a B-2 tourist visa, commonly used for tourism and visiting family. The visa mandated her departure from the United States by June 6, 1999.

What is the custody dispute about?

Ferreria’s attorney claims she shared custody of her son with Leavitt’s brother. The White House explicitly denies this, stating the child has always lived solely with his father.

Has Karoline Leavitt commented on the arrest?

Leavitt has not made any public statements regarding the arrest. Sources indicate she has not been in contact with Ferreria for several years.

What happens next in the case?

Ferreria remains in ICE custody in Louisiana facing deportation proceedings. Her legal team will argue her case before an immigration judge to avoid removal.

Does Ferreria have a criminal record?

No. Both her attorney and available records indicate Burna Caroline Ferreria has no criminal history in the United States.