Daniela Bittner, a former owner of Peanut the squirrel, has been detained by U.S. immigration officials and is currently facing the prospect of deportation to Germany. The arrest marks the latest development in the story of the pet squirrel, whose death by state wildlife officers two years ago turned him into an unexpected political symbol during the 2024 election cycle.
Bittner was apprehended by officers from the Department of Homeland Security in mid-October at a small airport located near the border between New York and Pennsylvania. In a statement issued after the arrest, the department explained that Bittner was taken into custody because she had chosen to overstay her welcome in defiance of the nation’s immigration laws.
According to her husband, Mark Longo, Bittner has been transferred through several immigration detention facilities since her initial arrest. She is currently housed in Texas. Longo described the conditions in the various lockups as deplorable and attributed the detention to a mix-up in immigration paperwork.
The squirrel, also known by the nickname P’nut, had gained significant popularity on social media due to his playful behavior. However, the family’s ownership of the animal became complicated after state officials received multiple complaints that the couple were keeping wild animals, including a raccoon, in their home without proper authorization.
During one of the inspections, Peanut bit the gloved thumb of a wildlife biologist. As a result, the squirrel was euthanized so that officials could test him for rabies. The incident drew national attention and generated sympathy for the family, while also providing Republicans with a talking point regarding government overreach.
Prior to the 2024 election, Vice President JD Vance and other Republican figures criticized the state’s handling of the case. Vance argued at a rally that the same government concerned with illegal immigration was interfering with citizens’ right to keep pets, calling the situation crazy.
Longo stated that he and his wife made an error on one of Bittner’s immigration forms. He explained that the couple failed to catch the mistake while they were dealing with the stress and publicity surrounding the seizure and death of their pet. He expressed frustration that the government is now targeting his family over a paperwork error.
Longo said he has been trying to keep his distance from politics but feels that the government continues to intervene in his personal life. He told The Associated Press that while one instance might be considered a coincidence, the pattern of events makes him feel like a target. He questioned why his wife is being detained when others who deserve arrest are not.
The couple runs an animal sanctuary, which Longo said he will have to shut down if Bittner is deported. He noted that local officials are reviewing her case and that he has discussed the situation with UFC chief Dana White, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, whom Longo met after the squirrel was taken.
For Longo, the outcome of Bittner’s immigration case is directly tied to the future of their sanctuary. He stated that the only scenario that will save the facility is if his wife is not deported, highlighting the personal stakes involved in this ongoing legal and political dispute.
