The Brazilian-born mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, who was recently detained by U.S. immigration authorities, has pushed back against the Trump administration’s portrayal of her as an absentee parent. Bruna Ferreira, who was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a traffic stop in Massachusetts, labeled the White House statements—which claimed she had not lived with her son or communicated with Leavitt for years—as inaccurate.

At 33, Ferreira highlighted her active role in her son Michael Leavitt Jr.’s life, who is 11 years old. She shared her feelings of offense regarding the administration’s narrative, describing their claims as “disgusting.” Ferreira elaborated that she regularly engages in activities such as taking her son to Dave & Buster’s, assisting him with school, attending his sports events, and ensuring his room is well-equipped with everything a boy might want.

Ferreira recounted efforts to ensure Michael could attend Leavitt’s wedding in January and allowed him to participate in the White House Easter egg hunt. She revealed her trust in Leavitt by asking her to be the godmother to her son, a decision she now questions. “Why they’re creating this narrative is beyond my wildest imagination,” she stated.

The differing accounts emerged following Ferreira’s release on a $1,500 bond after an immigration judge deemed her detention unnecessary. Her attorney argued that the government’s characterization of Ferreira was “both unfair and untrue.” A representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not oppose her release, agreeing she posed no danger to society or flight risk.

A DHS spokesperson confirmed that Ferreira’s detention stemmed from a previous arrest related to battery, and indicated that her tourist visa required her to leave the United States by June 6, 1999. Ferreira came to the U.S. from Brazil at the age of six, and no official records have been produced concerning the battery arrest claimed by DHS.

Her lawyer noted that Ferreira has no criminal record and clarified that an incident from 2008, where she was summoned to juvenile court after a minor altercation, did not amount to criminal charges due to her age at the time. She described meeting Michael Leavitt at a nightclub, falling in love, and although they shared responsibilities for their child after their breakup in 2015, they never married.

Ferreira has also alleged in court documents that her son’s father previously threatened to have her deported, a claim Leavitt denied. In a text exchange, he stated, “I had no involvement in her being picked up by ICE. I have no control over that and had no involvement in that whatsoever,” while emphasizing his desire for their son to maintain a relationship with Ferreira.

Ferreira also recounted that fellow detainees had asked her about her relationship with Leavitt, wondering if she had done something to provoke dislike. Her response reflected uncertainty: “Your guess is as good as mine,” she said.