Squirrel Seized Owner Detained
FILE - A worker with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shines a light on Peanut, a pet squirrel, who was living with Mark Longo, Oct. 30, 2024 in Southport, N.Y.
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When New York wildlife officers euthanized a couple’s pet squirrel, Peanut, two years ago, Republicans including JD Vance slammed the critter’s killing as another example of government overreach from meddling Democrats. Now, the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump has put one of the late squirrel’s owners in an immigration jail, pending possible deportation to Germany. In an interview, Mark Longo said his wife, Daniela Bittner, was arrested by immigration officers last month after the pair made a mistake on her immigration forms. The arrest was the latest twist in the tale of Peanut, a once-orphaned squirrel whose fun antics made him a social media star.