Former Owner of Social Media Squirrel Peanut Detained by ICE, Faces Deportation
Daniela Bittner, one of the former owners of the social media-famous squirrel Peanut, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York and is facing potential deportation to Germany. Her husband states her detention is due…
Fresno Visalia, CA, November 12, 2026 — A woman known for her association with a social media-famous animal is now facing immigration proceedings. Daniela Bittner, identified as one of the former owners of Peanut, a squirrel that gained significant online popularity, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York.
The detention raises the possibility of deportation, with Bittner potentially facing removal to Germany. The specifics surrounding the immigration paperwork that led to her detention were not immediately detailed.
Bittner’s husband stated that her current situation stems from what he described as an immigration paperwork mistake. Further details regarding the nature of this mistake or the timeline of the immigration process were not provided.
ICE has not released a public statement regarding the detention or the specific grounds for potential deportation. The outcome of Bittner’s case remains pending, with her future in the United States uncertain.
Peanut the squirrel garnered a substantial following on social media platforms, becoming a recognizable figure online. The circumstances surrounding Bittner’s detention mark a significant turn for individuals connected to the animal’s online persona.
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