US immigration agency detains multiple minors in Minneapolis area, including a 5-year-old boy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents recently detained at least four minors, including a 5-year-old boy, in the Minneapolis region. These operations have intensified scrutiny on federal immigration tactics, sparking considerable concern among local officials and community advocates regarding the welfare of children.

One notable incident involved 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who reportedly witnessed masked agents apprehend his father after they returned from preschool on Tuesday, February 20. Columbia Heights councilwoman Rachel James, present during the event, described seeing multiple agency vehicles blocking half the street near the family’s residence.

Agents then directed the boy, wearing a blue cap and Spider-Man backpack, to the back door of his home, gesturing for him to knock. James recounted Liam’s reaction, stating he appeared “frozen and paralyzed,” visibly frightened but not crying during the unfolding situation.

Department of Homeland Security addresses detentions

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that Liam’s father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, was in the country irregularly. However, officials did not provide specific details regarding his immigration status or any potential criminal background at the time of the apprehension.

ICE spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that parents targeted in such operations are typically asked if they prefer their children accompany them or be released to a designated individual. She emphasized that ICE’s actions were not aimed at the child, asserting that Conejo Arias allegedly fled the scene as agents approached, leaving his son behind.

Community outcry and alleged aggressive tactics

Local Democratic leaders and city officials have strongly condemned the federal agents’ methods, labeling them as aggressive and unnecessary. They argue that these tactics have instilled widespread fear within immigrant communities across Minnesota, particularly in Minneapolis, which hosts a significant immigrant population.

The detentions occur amid rising tensions in the city, following protests over the death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and mother of three, who was killed by ICE agents. This tragic event further fuels criticism against the agency’s operational practices and the broader immigration policies in place.

School official questions child detention

Zena Stenvik, superintendent of the Columbia Heights public school district, openly questioned the rationale behind detaining a 5-year-old child during a press conference. She challenged the notion that such a young child could be classified as a violent criminal, highlighting the disproportionate nature of the enforcement.

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Stenvik confirmed that she had reviewed legal documentation indicating the family possessed an ongoing asylum request, with no existing deportation order against them. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the justification for the recent detention.

Additional minor detentions detailed

Beyond Liam’s case, Superintendent Stenvik revealed other instances of minors being apprehended by ICE agents. These include a 17-year-old high school student who was detained by armed, masked agents on her way to school, with neither parent present at the time of the incident. This particular event, occurring on Tuesday, February 20, illustrates a pattern of apprehension tactics in public spaces.

Two weeks prior to that incident, a 10-year-old girl was apprehended by ICE agents while en route to elementary school. According to Stenvik, this young girl and her mother have since remained in a detention center located in Texas. Furthermore, just last week, another 17-year-old high school student was detained alongside her mother by ICE agents directly in their apartment. These recurring incidents underscore the broad scope of immigration enforcement activities impacting families in the area.

The broader impact of immigration enforcement

The heightened presence and aggressive tactics of immigration agents in Minneapolis, where approximately 3,000 agents were reportedly mobilized, continue to generate significant debate regarding human rights and community safety. These actions are viewed by many as contributing to an environment of distrust and anxiety, making immigrant families hesitant to engage with public services, including schools and healthcare.

In 2025, discussions surrounding federal immigration policies remain a central topic in national politics, with ongoing calls for comprehensive reform. The recent detentions in Minnesota highlight persistent challenges in balancing border security measures with humanitarian considerations, especially concerning minors and families.

Neighbors’ offers to assist rejected

During the apprehension of Liam, neighbors quickly gathered at the scene, offering their assistance to the boy. Councilwoman Rachel James reported that several individuals came forward, including one who identified themselves as a family member, volunteering to care for the child.

Despite these offers and clear expressions of community support, agents reportedly placed Liam in the backseat of a black vehicle. They then departed the scene at high speed, disregarding the neighbors’ attempts to ensure the child’s immediate well-being within a familiar environment.