Owner of Peanut the Squirrel, Daniela Bittner, Detained by ICE in Surprising Turn of Events

Immigration Authorities Detain Wife of Viral Pet Squirrel Owner

Daniela Bittner, the spouse of Mark Longo, the New York resident whose pet squirrel, Peanut, gained national attention before being seized and euthanized by wildlife officials in 2024, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Details of the Arrest

Bittner, a German national, was apprehended in mid-October at a small airport near the New York-Pennsylvania border while she and Longo were on their way to a TikTok event. Reports from The Associated Press indicate that her detention was linked to a minor immigration paperwork issue.

Paperwork Issues

Longo claimed that a mistake on one of Bittner’s immigration forms went unnoticed amid the turmoil surrounding Peanut’s seizure. He described the couple as having mistakenly filed the incorrect paperwork, which resulted in Bittner’s unfortunate immigration status complications. “She entered the U.S. legally on a visa,” Longo stated, emphasizing that their efforts to provide additional information were not properly addressed by government agencies.

Plans for Legal Action

Longo and Bittner had previously announced intentions to sue New York State over the seizure and death of their beloved squirrel, a scenario that continues to disturb them greatly. Longo expressed frustration over how a minor clerical error has led to his wife facing possible deportation without the chance for a hearing.

Deteriorating Conditions

Reports suggest that Bittner has been transferred between several detention centers, encountering conditions described by Longo as “deplorable.” The couple, who married in 2022, are worried about the future of their nonprofit animal sanctuary, which cares for approximately 600 rescued animals. Longo remarked, “If my wife is deported due to a paperwork issue, we will lose everything we have worked for.”

Background of the Pet Squirrel

The couple first gained media attention in 2024 when New York wildlife officials seized Peanut and subsequently euthanized him, sparking public outrage. Longo fondly remembered rescuing Peanut at just five weeks old after the squirrel’s mother was tragically killed in an accident, a story that resonated with many across social media platforms.

Government’s Stance

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement indicating that Bittner had entered the U.S. multiple times legally but was arrested due to her failure to adhere to immigration regulations after overstaying her visa. The DHS clarified that having a pending application does not confer legal status in the country.

Conclusion

The situation involving Bittner and Longo continues to evolve, raising pressing questions about the intersection of immigration policy and animal welfare. Longo expressed a desire to move past the tragedy surrounding Peanut and focus on their animal rescue efforts, now jeopardized by these unforeseen challenges.