German Citizen, Owner of Instagram-Famous Squirrel, Detained by U.S. Immigration Officials
The article details the case of Daniela Bittner, a German citizen and co-owner of an Instagram-famous pet squirrel named Peanut, who was arrested by U.S. immigration officers in mid-October and is being held pending possible deportation to Germany. Her husband…
New York, NY, November 11, 2026 —
Daniela Bittner, a German national and co-owner of an Instagram-famous pet squirrel named Peanut, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The arrest occurred in mid-October, and Bittner is currently being held pending potential deportation back to Germany.
According to her husband, the detention is the result of an immigration paperwork error. This mix-up reportedly occurred while the couple was interacting with state officials who had previously seized and euthanized their pet squirrel, Peanut, approximately two years ago. The seizure followed complaints regarding the illegal possession of wild animals.
The case of Peanut, the pet squirrel, had previously garnered political attention. Some Republican figures had cited the animal’s death as an instance of government overreach.
Bittner’s husband has expressed concerns that if she is deported, their animal sanctuary may be forced to close. The specific details regarding the immigration paperwork errors and the current status of Bittner’s deportation proceedings were not elaborated upon in the provided summary. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The outcome of any legal proceedings related to the immigration paperwork or the animal sanctuary was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Tom Shea and Chris Glorioso on www.nbcnewyork.com, see more information here.
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