Trump Ally Denies Using ICE to Deport Ex-Girlfriend Amid Custody Battle
Paolo Zampolli, the former modeling agent credited with introducing Donald Trump to future first lady Melania in 1998, has firmly denied allegations that he contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to have his Brazilian ex-girlfriend detained and deported. The accusations emerged from a report by The New York Times, which detailed Zampolli's alleged efforts during a contentious custody dispute over their teenage son.
Alleged Contact with High-Ranking ICE Official
According to The New York Times investigation, Zampolli reportedly reached out to David Venturella, a senior ICE official overseeing immigration detention centers, following the arrest of his ex-girlfriend Amanda Ungaro in Miami last year. Venturella previously worked for private prison firm Geo Group before assuming his government position. The report also indicated Zampolli contacted Corey Lewandowski, a close Trump ally serving as a top adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Despite these allegations, Zampolli has categorically denied requesting any favors from ICE or the administration regarding Ungaro's detention. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement declaring that "any suggestion that she was arrested and removed for political reasons or favors is FALSE."
Timing of Deportation Raises Questions
The Times report notes that Ungaro was transferred into ICE custody and subsequently deported shortly after Zampolli's alleged communication with Venturella. While the exact effectiveness of Zampolli's reported efforts remains unclear, the timing has raised significant questions about potential influence within immigration enforcement systems.
This incident appears to illustrate how well-connected allies of the Trump administration might attempt to leverage their relationships for personal matters, particularly in cases involving immigration enforcement and family disputes.
White House and Melania Trump Respond
The Independent requested comment from the White House regarding these allegations. A spokesperson for Melania Trump provided a statement clarifying that the former first lady "has no knowledge of, nor involvement in, the personal affairs of Mr. Zampolli and Ms. Ungaro." The spokesperson further emphasized that "Mrs. Trump has had no contact or engagement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
Zampolli's Background and Connections
Zampolli's introduction of Trump to Melania at a Manhattan nightclub in 1998 represents a significant moment in presidential personal history. At the time, Zampolli sponsored Melania's immigration through an H-1B visa after recruiting her from her native Slovenia.
His connections to New York's modeling industry also placed him in proximity to Jeffrey Epstein. Zampolli's name appears multiple times in Department of Justice documents released in connection with investigations into the late sex offender. In a 2011 email cited in the files, Epstein warned: "Be careful, Zampolli is trouble. Lots. He sells stories to the press."
In an interview with The Times, Zampolli downplayed his relationship with Epstein, noting his name appears far less frequently than other prominent figures mentioned in the documents. He remarked somewhat ironically: "At least I was included, because if you're not on the list, you're a loser, right?"
Political Appointments and Current Role
Zampolli has maintained his friendship with Trump through both administrations, receiving several political appointments as a result. Last year, Trump appointed him as "United States Special Representative for Global Partnerships," following his 2020 appointment to the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees.
In his current diplomatic role, Zampolli has defended Russia's return to international sports competitions and brought a miniature version of Arturo Di Modica's Wall Street Charging Bull sculpture to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this past January.
Parallel Case Involving White House Connections
This incident echoes another case from last year involving Bruna Ferreira, the mother of press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew. Ferreira was arrested in November and remained in ICE detention for nearly a month while engaged in her own custody battle.
That situation similarly raised questions about whether individuals with close connections to the Trump White House might have sought ICE involvement in family matters, placing relatives of administration officials within the broader context of the president's immigration enforcement policies.
The allegations against Zampolli highlight ongoing concerns about potential misuse of government immigration enforcement mechanisms for personal disputes, particularly when those involved have direct access to the highest levels of political power.
