P’Nut the Squirrel’s Former Owner Detained by ICE — Husband Says One Paperwork Mistake Could Destroy Everything They Built
Nearly two years after the heartbreaking loss of internet-famous squirrel P’Nut sparked nationwide outrage, the family at the center of that controversy is facing another devastating crisis. This time, a woman could be deported, hundreds of rescued animals face an uncertain future, and her husband insists the entire ordeal began with an immigration paperwork mistake.
Daniela Bittner, a 30-year-old German national who helped care for the beloved social media squirrel P’Nut, has been held in federal immigration custody for nearly a month.
Her husband, Mark Longo, says he is desperately trying to prevent her deportation to Germany, warning that losing his wife could also mean losing the animal sanctuary they spent years building together.
But federal immigration officials maintain that Bittner overstayed her authorized time in the United States, despite having previously entered the country legally.
The conflicting explanations have brought renewed attention to a family already known nationwide for a highly controversial animal welfare case.
What Happened at the New York Airport?
According to Longo, the couple was preparing to travel to a social media event when immigration officers approached them at Elmira Corning Regional Airport in upstate New York.
Longo dates the encounter to October 16, 2026, while the Department of Homeland Security says Bittner was detained on October 15.
He described being caught off guard as plainclothes officers approached and took his wife into custody.
What began as an ordinary travel day quickly turned into a prolonged separation.
Longo says Bittner has since been moved through immigration detention facilities in multiple states, including New York, Louisiana, and Texas.
As of November 11, she was reportedly being held in Texas while facing possible removal proceedings.
For Longo, the sudden separation has been particularly difficult because he believes the situation could have been prevented.
Husband Insists His Wife Entered the Country Legally
Longo says Bittner originally entered the United States legally and later married him in Connecticut in 2022.
Following their marriage, the couple attempted to secure her immigration status through the appropriate application process.
However, he acknowledges that they made an error in their paperwork.
According to Longo, the couple apparently submitted an incorrect form and never received the notice informing them that their application had been denied.
He believes that administrative problem ultimately led to his wife’s detention.
The husband has stressed that Bittner is not accused of a separate criminal offense and should not be treated as though she poses a danger to the community.
He also expressed frustration that a mistake involving immigration forms could threaten their marriage, livelihood, and rescue operation.
But federal authorities dispute his characterization of the situation.
DHS Gives a Different Explanation
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Bittner had entered the United States legally on several occasions between May 2021 and November 2022.
However, officials said she remained in the country beyond the period she was authorized to stay.
DHS emphasized that submitting or having a pending immigration application does not automatically provide lawful immigration status.
The agency said Bittner would remain in custody while immigration proceedings continued and that she would receive due process.
The distinction between the couple’s account and the federal government’s explanation is central to the case.
Longo portrays the situation as a paperwork error involving a married couple attempting to follow immigration requirements.
Federal officials, meanwhile, maintain that the issue concerns an unauthorized overstay.
The ultimate outcome remains uncertain.
Allegations About Detention Conditions Raise Further Concerns
Longo has also raised concerns about his wife’s treatment while in federal custody.
He claims that the conditions in several detention facilities have been extremely difficult.
Among his allegations is that Bittner went more than two weeks without replacement contact lenses, potentially placing her eye health at risk.
He says the repeated transfers between detention centers have made an already distressing situation even harder.
However, DHS has rejected allegations that Bittner was subjected to inadequate detention conditions.
The agency maintains that immigration detainees have access to meals, drinking water, medical treatment, and communication with attorneys and family members.
The competing accounts have not been independently resolved in the reporting available as of November 11.
The Family Already Endured the P’Nut Controversy
For many Americans, the names Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner are closely associated with P’Nut, the rescued squirrel that became an internet sensation.
P’Nut first gained popularity through videos showing his playful behavior and close relationship with Longo.
The squirrel eventually attracted a large social media following, becoming a recognizable figure among animal lovers.
But the family’s story took a dramatic turn in October 2024.
New York wildlife officials seized P’Nut and a raccoon named Fred following complaints that the animals were being kept without the required authorization.
Authorities later euthanized the animals as part of rabies testing procedures.
Officials said P’Nut had bitten a wildlife worker during the inspection, prompting concerns about possible rabies exposure.
The decision caused widespread outrage online.
Supporters questioned why the animals had to be euthanized, while authorities defended their actions on public health and wildlife enforcement grounds.
The incident also became a national political controversy during the 2024 presidential election.
Several Republican figures, including JD Vance, cited the case while criticizing what they viewed as excessive government intervention.
For Longo and Bittner, however, the dispute was more than a political talking point.
They had lost animals they considered part of their family.
Now, nearly two years later, they find themselves confronting another government action with potentially life-changing consequences.
Hundreds of Rescued Animals Could Be Affected
Beyond the immigration dispute, Longo says his wife’s possible deportation could place their animal rescue operation in serious jeopardy.
The couple operates P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in upstate New York.
The organization cares for approximately 600 animals, including horses and other rescued creatures that depend on the sanctuary for food, shelter, and ongoing care.
According to Longo, Bittner plays an essential role in managing the facility.
She handles much of its administrative work, helps coordinate daily operations, and contributes significantly to fundraising.
He says her absence has already created major difficulties.
If she is deported, he fears the sanctuary may be forced to close.
That possibility could affect not only the couple but also the animals currently living at the facility.
Longo has indicated that he is considering fundraising efforts to help sustain the sanctuary during the crisis.
His immediate priority, however, remains keeping his wife in the United States.
A Family Caught Between Two Major Controversies
The renewed public attention surrounding Longo and Bittner reflects the unusual circumstances of their story.
In 2024, the couple became nationally known after the seizure and euthanasia of their famous pet squirrel.
In 2026, they are confronting federal immigration enforcement.
Longo has questioned why his family has repeatedly found itself involved in high-profile government disputes.
He says he generally tries to avoid political arguments but feels increasingly frustrated by the situation.
The contrast has attracted particular attention because P’Nut’s case previously became part of a broader political debate about government authority.
Now, members of the same family are involved in another controversy centered on federal enforcement powers.
However, the two cases involve different agencies, laws, and circumstances.
The earlier dispute concerned New York wildlife regulations and public health procedures.
The current matter involves federal immigration law and Bittner’s authorization to remain in the United States.
What Happens Next?
As of November 11, 2026, Bittner remained in immigration custody, and her future in the United States had not been determined publicly.
Longo says he is pursuing assistance from people who may be able to help bring attention to his wife’s case.
He has also expressed concern about the possibility of her being returned to Germany.
For the couple, the consequences could extend far beyond a temporary separation.
Their marriage, financial stability, and the future of their animal sanctuary could all be affected.
Whether immigration authorities will ultimately allow Bittner to remain in the United States remains an open question.
DHS maintains that immigration laws must be enforced and that Bittner will receive due process.
Longo continues to argue that the circumstances deserve reconsideration because the dispute arose from what he describes as an administrative mistake.
Meanwhile, hundreds of animals remain dependent on the sanctuary the couple created.
Two years ago, millions of people learned the family’s name because of a tiny rescued squirrel. Today, that same family is facing a much larger uncertainty — whether the woman who helped build their animal sanctuary will be allowed to stay in the country she has made her home.
For Mark Longo, the outcome could determine not only when he sees his wife again outside detention but also whether the rescue operation they built together can survive.
Sources
- New York Post — November 11, 2026: Former owner of P’Nut the squirrel detained by ICE, husband says arrest is mistake
- Associated Press — November 11, 2026: Peanut the squirrel’s former owner has been detained by ICE and could be deported
- TMZ — November 11, 2026: P’Nut the Squirrel’s former owner says wife detained by ICE
- TMZ — November 11, 2026: DHS disputes claims about Bittner’s immigration status and detention conditions
