Relative of White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt Detained by ICE, Faces Potential Deportation
A brazilian relative of White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt was recently detained by U.S. Immigration adn Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising questions about the agency’s enforcement priorities and the fate of individuals with ties to the Biden administration. The individual, whose name has not been publicly released, is now facing potential deportation proceedings.
The case highlights the precarious situation for many beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, despite its legal protections. While DACA shields eligible individuals from deportation and provides work permits,it does not confer legal status. This distinction allows ICE to detain and perhaps deport DACA recipients,as evidenced by the more than 65,000 immigrants held in ICE custody as of November 15 – an increase from the fewer than 60,000 held prior to a recent government shutdown,according to data from CBS News.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized to the Associated Press that a DACA designation “does not confer any type of legal status in this country,” and individuals claiming DACA status “are not automatically protected from deportation.” The detention of Leavitt’s relative underscores this reality, even as the White House advocates for broader immigration reform and protections for Dreamers.
The case is developing, and it remains unclear what specific factors led to the individual’s detention. However, it adds to a growing number of instances where DACA recipients have been caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement during the Biden administration, despite campaign promises of more humane policies.
