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Feds reveal why OnlyFans model who became famous for P’nut the squirrel saga was busted by ICE
DHS says Daniela Bittner, a German social media model known as the former owner of the squirrel P’Nut, was arrested by ICE because she overstayed temporary permission to be in the United States. The department says she will remain in custody during removal proceedings and receive due process.
Bittner, 30, entered the US legally several times between May 2021 and November 2022, DHS said, but overstayed. Her husband, Mark Longo, says she has been held in poor conditions and describes the paperwork issue as minor; DHS did not say where she is detained. The couple gained national attention after New York officials seized and euthanised P’Nut and a raccoon named Fred in 2025, citing wildlife rules and a bite report that led to rabies testing.
In short
- DHS says Bittner overstayed temporary US permission.
- ICE arrested her at an airport on 15 October.
- Her husband says she has faced poor detention conditions.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The government can argue that immigration rules need to be applied consistently, including when someone initially entered legally but stayed beyond their authorised period. Holding Bittner during removal proceedings may be justified if officials consider it necessary to ensure those proceedings can be completed, while due process gives her an opportunity to contest the case.
The case against
Bittner’s supporters can argue that detention is a severe response to an overstayed permission, particularly if the breach is a paperwork matter and she has strong ties in the United States. They may also question whether continued custody is proportionate before a removal decision, especially given her husband’s claims about poor conditions and the absence of public details about where she is being held.