Video Shows ICE Arresting Woman Linked to Trump Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

A tense roadside arrest, caught on camera last month and only now surfacing, is sparking outrage, not just because of who was taken into custody, but because of the strange way it all unfolded.

On November 12, 2025, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a Brazilian-born woman and the mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew, was arrested just outside Boston in a heavily armed ICE takedown.

The footage was only released weeks later, and now, as it circulates online, many are questioning whether this was truly about immigration or something far more personal.

Tactical Arrest Caught on Camera

The video, released by TMZ on December 3, begins like any ordinary daily moment. A silver sedan is seen driving toward the exit of a condo parking lot in Revere, Massachusetts. It was around 12:30 p.m.

But within seconds, everything goes wrong. Multiple intimidating SUVs come barreling into the frame, boxing in the car in place. Agents leap out, weapons raised, aiming straight at the driver's side.

Bruna steps out and, without resistance, is immediately handcuffed and led away by officers. Another agent climbs into her vehicle, and soon, all cars swiftly pull away.

Online Backlash and Bold Accusations

With tensions already high around immigration enforcement and the administration's policies, it didn't take long for netizens to unleash a storm of theories and fingers were quickly pointed.

"That was a Set up. I don't care what nobody say [sic]," one person declared. "Set up for sure. They knew what car she was in 😭🥴," another agreed.

Then came the accusations.

"Her brother wanted full custody and mom out of the country!" someone claimed. Another netizen didn't hold back, alleging, "Karoline called them on her own nephew's mother smh [sic]." "Mm I'm sure she called so her brother could keep custody [sic]," another echoed.

One netizen furiously exploded,"THEY CALLED ON HER. DISGUSTING!"

A Legal War in the Process

While the internet can continue speculating, the fact is that Bruna is now in a tough legal battle.

A representative for the Department of Homeland Security told reporters last month that she had been in the U.S. illegally since June 1999, allegedly overstaying a tourist visa. They also claimed she had a previous arrest for battery.

But Bruna's attorney, Todd Pomerleau, quickly pushed back.

He insisted Bruna has no criminal record and is not in the country illegally because she holds protection under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a program shielding people brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.

The problem is that Bruna wasn't able to renew her status during President Donald Trump's first term, when legal challenges and executive action threatened to dismantle DACA entirely.

Although the Supreme Court later ruled those steps were invalid, some recipients like Bruna have still been caught in the crosshairs of the current administration's ICE detentions.

Pomerleau said Bruna is actively in the process of obtaining legal citizenship, but for now, she remains detained at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. That's more than 1,500 miles from where she was arrested, and 80 miles from Baton Rouge.

The Custody Matter

According to CNN sources, Karoline's nephew has always lived full-time with his father, Michael Leavitt, in New Hampshire. Bruna and Michael, who were previously engaged, share joint custody of the 11-year-old.

Pomerleau said Bruna was on her way to pick up her son the day of the arrest. She reportedly hasn't spoken to Karoline in years, making the family dynamics even murkier.

Meanwhile, Michael told WMUR, a CNN affiliate, that their son has had a fair relationship with Bruna but that the two haven't seen each other since the arrest. He said he only wants what's best for his son.

Public Support Surges

As Bruna remains in detention, her sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, launched a GoFundMe campaign, verified by Pomerleau, to help cover the costs of the legal fight ahead.

The campaign describes Bruna as someone who was brought to the U.S. as a child, made a life here, and has followed every rule required by DACA.

"Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether it's supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself," the fundraiser reads.

The page also touches on the emotional toll the arrest has taken on Bruna's son, who, according to the family, is struggling and had hoped his mother would be home for the holidays.

"Please help us bring Bruna home. ❤️," the page ends. As of this writing, the campaign has raised $36,639, exceeding its original $30,000 goal.