Trump Associate's Request to Immigration Officials Raises Questions
Background of the Case
During Donald Trump's presidency, Paolo Zampolli, a former modeling agent and special envoy, reached out to US immigration authorities after his ex-partner, Amanda Ungaro, was arrested in Miami on fraud charges. Reports indicate that Ungaro was detained in June alongside her husband for allegedly committing fraud and practicing medicine without a license at a medical spa. While her husband was released on bail, Ungaro faced immigration complications due to her expired visa. Zampolli was also involved in a custody battle regarding their teenage son.
Involvement of Immigration Officials
Did A Trump Ally Seek Help From Immigration Officials?
Documentation reveals that Zampolli contacted a senior official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), identifying Ungaro as an individual without legal status in the US. The official, David Venturella, subsequently reached out to the Miami office of ICE to ensure that Ungaro would be detained before any potential bail release. He mentioned that the situation was significant to someone associated with the White House.
Following this, Ungaro was placed in ICE custody and ultimately deported to Brazil. The Department of Homeland Security clarified that her detention adhered to standard protocols, asserting that any claims of political influence in her arrest are unfounded. They noted that she had overstayed her visa and was facing criminal charges.
Reactions and Consequences
Zampolli refuted allegations of seeking preferential treatment, stating, “I asked David what was going on because I did not know the process.” He denied any requests for her detention or attempts to sway the case's outcome. Ungaro expressed her shock upon discovering that a senior official had taken an interest in her situation, stating, “It’s devastating that they could have affected what happened to me.” Ultimately, she opted to return to Brazil, fearing that prolonged detention would jeopardize her custody rights.
The situation unfolded amid a legal dispute between the former couple regarding their son. After Ungaro's deportation, the child alternated between living with both parents before settling in the US with Zampolli as the court proceedings continued. Zampolli, who has a long-standing relationship with Trump and Melania Trump, has often claimed to have introduced the couple in the 1990s and has maintained connections with them over the years. A representative for Melania Trump stated that she had no knowledge of or involvement in Zampolli and Ungaro's personal matters.