Agents from Serviço of Imigração and Alfândega of The arrest occurred shortly after the pair arrived at the residence from school, and both were transferred to a detention center at Texas. Autoridades schoolchildren from the district of Columbia Heights denounced the use of the child as “bait” by agents during the operation.
Superintendent Zena Stenvik reported that the father’s car was still running when the agents intervened. Fotos released by the district show the boy, identified as Liam Conejo Ramos, next to a masked officer in front of the door of the house.
The case is part of a series of four arrests of students from the same school district in the last two weeks, amid an intensification of immigration enforcement actions in the region.
Details of the arrest of Liam Ramos
Liam Conejo Ramos, a preschool student at Valley View Elementary, recently turned 5 years old. Ele and his father were approached as soon as they parked in the garage of the family residence.
According to Stenvik, an agent removed the child from the vehicle and instructed her to knock on the door of the house, supposedly to check the presence of other people inside. Outro resident of the house, present at the scene, asked to take care of the boy and avoid his arrest, but the request was denied.
Liam’s older brother arrived minutes later and found the house empty. Diretores schoolchildren attended the scene to offer support to the family.
Other cases in the school district
The Columbia Heights district has recorded four arrests of students by Ice agents since the beginning of January 2026. Esses incidents directly affected children and adolescents in everyday situations.
A 17-year-old student was removed from his car by armed and masked officers, without his parents present. In another episode, which occurred on January 14, a 17-year-old student and her mother were detained after agents invaded the family’s apartment.
A 10-year-old girl was arrested with her mother on the way to primary school on January 6. The child called his father during the approach, but both were taken to Texas at the end of the day.
- Arrest on January 6: 10-year-old student and mother, on the way to school.
- Arrest on January 14: 17-year-old student and mother, in apartment.
- Arrest on January 20: 17-year-old student, removed from car.
- Arrest on January 20: Liam Ramos, 5 years old, and father, in the garage at home.
Official position of Departamento of Segurança Interna
Departamento of Segurança Interna (DHS) stated that the operation targeted exclusively Liam’s father, described as an undocumented immigrant. Autoridades denied that the child was the direct target of the action.
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of DHS, stated that the father tried to flee on foot, leaving his son at the scene. An officer remained with the child for safety during the chase.
Parents have the option of accompanying their children during deportation or designating a trusted guardian, according to standard Ice procedure.
Statements from the family lawyer
Marc Prokosch, a lawyer representing the Ramos family, confirmed that the asylum process is ongoing. The family entered the Estados Unidos through an official border point and follows the established rules.
There is no active deportation order against a parent or child. Prokosch highlighted that both remain together in the detention center.
The detention of such a young child causes irreversible damage to the family and the entire school community. Colegas of class face secondary trauma upon learning what happened.
Impact on the school community
Teachers and students in the district expressed shock at the repeated arrests. Liam’s teacher described the boy as bright, kind and loved by all his classmates.
The presence of Ice vehicles near schools generated widespread fear among families. Algumas chose to keep their children at home to avoid risks.
School administrators asked officers to leave campus while preparing for a press conference. The sense of safety in schools and neighborhoods has been shaken.
Stenvik emphasized that the district’s focus is educating children, but now includes assisting families through the immigration legal system. The priority remains on protecting students, regardless of their origin.
Context of immigration operations in Minnesota
The arrests in Columbia Heights come amid a wide-ranging operation by Ice in the state of Minnesota in January 2026.
The school district has a significant immigrant population, which explains the concentration of cases. Comunidades report frequent patrols of federal vehicles near schools and homes.
School authorities are working to provide psychological support to affected students. Medidas include guidance to families about rights during approaches.
Reactions from educational leaders
Zena Stenvik called a press conference to expose the cases and demand answers from federal authorities. Ela questioned the need to detain preschool-age children.
District leaders reinforce their commitment to the safety of all students. Iniciativas include reporting channels and legal support for families. The school community organizes solidarity networks to monitor cases. Professores report a drop in attendance due to the climate of insecurity.
Support measures for affected families
District schools have implemented protocols for immigration detention situations. Equipes offer basic legal guidance and contact with specialized lawyers.
Parents receive information about Ice procedures and children’s rights. Parcerias with local organizations expand available support. The focus remains on the educational continuity of detained or indirectly affected students. Professores maintain remote contact when possible.
The operation in Minnesota resulted in hundreds of arrests in just a few weeks, affecting entire families in everyday contexts such as going to school or returning home. Casos and Liam Conejo Ramos expose tensions between immigration enforcement and child protection in diverse communities. Autoridades schoolchildren continue to monitor the situation and demand clear positions from the responsible federal bodies. The debate about methods used in operations is gaining momentum among educators and human rights defenders. Alunos and parents seek to restore tranquility in the school environment while legal proceedings progress.
