Daniela Bittner, the wife of former Peanut the squirrel owner Mark Longo, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October. Bittner, a German national, was arrested at a small airport near New York’s border with Pennsylvania while the couple planned to attend a TikTok event. Her husband says the case involves an immigration paperwork error, while federal officials say she overstayed authorized periods of admission. The detention has also raised concerns about the couple’s nonprofit animal sanctuary, which reportedly cares for about 600 rescued animals.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Immigration detention follows an airport encounter |
| 2) | Dispute centers on immigration paperwork and status |
| 3) | Bittner has been moved among detention facilities |
| 4) | Animal sanctuary faces an uncertain future |
| 5) | Peanut’s death remains part of the wider dispute |
Immigration detention follows an airport encounter
Daniela Bittner was detained in mid-October at a small airport near New York’s border with Pennsylvania, according to accounts cited in the report. She and her husband, Mark Longo, were preparing to travel to a TikTok-related event when immigration officers approached them. The detention occurred nearly two years after New York wildlife officials seized and euthanized Peanut, the squirrel that had become widely known online. Bittner’s arrest has now shifted attention from the animal controversy to her immigration case and possible removal from the United States.
Dispute centers on immigration paperwork and status
Longo said Bittner entered the United States legally and that the couple made an error on an immigration form while dealing with the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut. He said authorities requested additional information, which the couple provided, but that they did not receive a subsequent denial letter explaining that the wrong paperwork had been filed. Longo described the issue as minor and said Bittner has no criminal history.
“This is a minor paperwork issue and it’s being treated as if my wife literally crawled out a hole to get into this country,” Longo said.
The Department of Homeland Security said Bittner lawfully entered the United States multiple times between May 2021 and November 2022, with permission to remain for temporary periods. The department said she was arrested after overstaying those periods and emphasized that a pending application does not itself provide legal status. The dispute therefore centers on whether the paperwork and applications were sufficient to extend her lawful stay.
Bittner has been moved among detention facilities
Bittner has reportedly been transferred between detention centers in Syracuse, Buffalo, Louisiana and Texas since her arrest. Longo characterized the conditions of her federal custody as deplorable. He also said she could face the maximum immigration penalty and potential deportation without a hearing, although the details of her legal proceedings were not provided in the report.
The transfers demonstrate how the case has moved beyond the couple’s New York home and animal-rescue work. Bittner’s German nationality and her previous temporary admissions are central to the government’s position, while Longo’s account focuses on the alleged filing error and the couple’s belief that they complied with requests for more information.
Animal sanctuary faces an uncertain future
Bittner reportedly helps operate a nonprofit animal sanctuary where about 600 animals rescued from neglect receive care. Her detention has created uncertainty about how the organization can continue, particularly if she is deported. Longo said the sanctuary could close and that the animals might need to be placed in other homes.
“If my wife gets deported for a paperwork issue, we will lose EVERYTHING we worked for,” Longo said.
The sanctuary’s future depends on the outcome of the immigration case and on whether Longo and other caregivers can maintain the organization’s operations. No closure or relocation of the animals had been reported at the time of the article.
Peanut’s death remains part of the wider dispute
Longo rescued Peanut at about five weeks old after the squirrel’s mother was reportedly killed by a car. The animal later became a viral social media personality before New York wildlife officials seized and euthanized it in 2024, prompting widespread public criticism. The couple had previously challenged the seizure and killing, and the episode made them the subject of national attention.
Bittner’s detention has revived scrutiny of the couple’s circumstances, but the immigration case is separate from the wildlife action involving Peanut. The available accounts describe competing explanations for Bittner’s status: Longo attributes the detention to a paperwork mistake, while federal officials cite overstays after temporary admission periods.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Daniela Bittner was detained by ICE in October near New York’s border with Pennsylvania. |
| 2 | Her husband says the case arose from an immigration paperwork error. |
| 3 | Federal officials say she overstayed temporary periods of authorized admission. |
| 4 | Her detention could affect a nonprofit sanctuary caring for about 600 animals. |
Summary
The detention of Daniela Bittner has placed the future of her immigration status and the couple’s animal sanctuary in doubt. Her husband says the matter resulted from a paperwork error, while the Department of Homeland Security says she remained in the country beyond authorized periods. The case follows the couple’s earlier national controversy over Peanut, but the immigration dispute concerns Bittner’s entry and stay in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Daniela Bittner?
Daniela Bittner is a German national and the wife of Mark Longo, the former owner of Peanut the squirrel. She reportedly helps operate the couple’s nonprofit animal sanctuary.
Why was Bittner detained?
Longo says the detention was connected to an immigration paperwork error. The Department of Homeland Security says Bittner overstayed temporary periods of authorized admission and that a pending application did not give her legal status.
What could happen to the animal sanctuary?
Longo said the sanctuary could close if Bittner is deported, potentially requiring new homes for about 600 animals. The report did not state that the sanctuary had already closed.
How is the case connected to Peanut the squirrel?
Bittner’s detention follows the couple’s earlier controversy after New York wildlife officials seized and euthanized Peanut in 2024. The immigration case itself concerns Bittner’s paperwork and immigration status, not the squirrel’s seizure.
