In a troubling incident in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, a young prekindergartener named Liam Conejo Ramos was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Liam, aged five, was taken alongside his father on January 20, 2026, as they arrived home from Valley View Elementary.
Details of the Detention
According to Marc Prokosch, a lawyer representing the family, both Liam and his father are currently being held in ICE custody, likely in Texas. This marks the fourth incident of student detainment in the Columbia Heights district within a month, highlighting growing concerns among community leaders.
Impact on the Community
Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik expressed deep concern during a recent news conference. She described the heart-wrenching scene when ICE agents took Liam from his family’s driveway. An adult in the home attempted to intervene, but their pleas were ignored.
- Several students have been detained in recent weeks, including:
- A 17-year-old high school student taken from a vehicle without parental presence.
- A 10-year-old fourth-grader and her mother detained on their way to school.
- A 17-year-old student whose mother was apprehended in their apartment while they were inside.
Stenvik noted that this trend has created an atmosphere of fear within the school community, with attendance dropping significantly in response to ICE’s actions. On one recent day, about one-third of students were absent, indicating widespread anxiety.
Calls for Change and Support
The school administration is encouraging families to contact their congressional representatives to advocate for immediate action regarding these detentions. Mary Granlund, chair of the school board, emphasized the importance of community support, especially as the district received over $10,000 in donations for a school food shelf during this crisis.
Prokosch, the family lawyer, highlighted the family’s compliant efforts in pursuing legal asylum. He stressed their adherence to all legal processes, arguing that detaining children under such circumstances is both unjust and cruel.
Emotional Toll on Students and Educators
Ella Sullivan, Liam’s teacher, expressed her sorrow over the incident, describing him as a bright and loving child. The emotional strain on students and faculty is palpable, with many worrying about their safety while on school grounds.
Stenvik concluded her remarks by demanding to know the conditions under which the detained students are being kept, recalling images from previous years of children in inhumane conditions. The district is actively working to ensure that all children can obtain an education safely.
