In Columbia Heights, Minnesota, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents recently detained 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos alongside his father, drawing national criticism. The family, who have an active asylum case, were reportedly arrested in their driveway as the child returned home from preschool.
School officials described the incident as disturbing, noting that agents had the young child knock on the family’s door to check for others, raising concerns that the child was used to locate additional individuals. Despite an adult offering to care for Liam, ICE reportedly insisted on taking both father and son to a family detention center in San Antonio, Texas.
This case is part of a series of recent student detentions in the district, with other children, including older teens and a 10-year-old, also taken into custody. The local superintendent called the raids traumatic for students and families, warning of long-term emotional effects.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security defended the action, stating that the father was the target of the operation and that children are typically offered placement with caregivers when parents are arrested. Critics, however, argue that Liam’s detention was avoidable and inhumane.
The arrest has ignited political debate. Former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the detention, saying the child “should be with his family, not in custody.” Supporters of ICE operations maintain that enforcing immigration laws, even when families are involved, is necessary.
Attorneys and community leaders emphasize the human impact of aggressive immigration enforcement and question policies that can result in young children being taken from their homes, highlighting the tension between legal enforcement and child welfare.
Also Read: Blue Origin’s NS-38 takes six passengers to space
