ICE Detains Four Students in Minnesota, Including a 5-Year-Old
Columbia Heights Public Schools, north of Minneapolis, reported that ICE agents detained four students in recent weeks, including a 5-year-old. Two of the students were taken while on their way to school.
Incident with 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo Ramos
On Tuesday, 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained by ICE in their driveway, shortly after Liam returned from preschool. Another adult present at the home offered to care for Liam, but ICE refused.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE did not target the child. She said agents were pursuing the father, who “fled on foot—abandoning his child.” An officer stayed with the boy during the arrest. McLaughlin added that parents may choose to go with their children, or ICE will place the child with a designated safe adult.
Immigration attorney Marc Prokosch said the father and son are likely being held in Texas. He is exploring a habeas corpus petition to secure their release. The family has an active asylum case with no deportation order.
Additional Student Detentions
Superintendent Zena Stenvik detailed other recent incidents:
- A 17-year-old student was removed from a car alone by masked, armed agents.
- Two weeks ago, a 10-year-old and her mother were detained while on the way to school. They are now in a detention center in Texas.
- Last week, ICE detained a 17-year-old student and her mother after entering their apartment.
Stenvik emphasized that these actions are affecting the community’s sense of safety. Attendance has dropped, and recess was moved indoors because agents were near school playgrounds.
Community Reactions
Liam’s teacher, Ella Sullivan, said his removal shocked the class. “He brightens the room every day. It’s a very unfortunate situation that should not happen.”
Stenvik added, “ICE agents have been roaming neighborhoods, circling schools, following buses, and entering parking lots. Our children should not be afraid to come to school or wait at a bus stop.”
ICE Statement
McLaughlin told Baner Club that ICE is not targeting children at schools. She said the agency focuses on criminals and aims to maintain safety during arrests.
