**Excerpt:** A Minnesota school district claims ICE used a 5-year-old boy as bait during an arrest, while DHS asserts the child was abandoned by his father.
Key Points:
– Columbia Heights school officials allege ICE used Liam Ramos, 5, as bait in an arrest operation.
– DHS counters that the boy was abandoned by his father, who fled from agents.
– The Ecuadorian government is monitoring the child’s well-being after his detention.
– The child’s teacher describes him as kind, with classmates missing him.
– Minnesota has seen increased immigration enforcement actions in recent weeks.
Incident Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed claims from a Minnesota school district regarding the treatment of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, during an ICE operation. According to the Columbia Heights Public School District, ICE agents used Liam as “bait” to apprehend his father outside their home.
Claims from School Officials
School officials report that Liam was taken into custody alongside his father after they arrived home from preschool. They allege that agents instructed the boy to knock on the door to check if anyone else was inside, allowing them to determine if further arrests were warranted.
DHS’s Response
In response to the allegations, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that ICE did not target the child. According to DHS, the father, described as an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, fled when agents approached, leaving Liam behind. McLaughlin emphasized that an ICE officer stayed with the child for safety while other agents detained the father.
Community Reaction
As community outrage escalated, McLaughlin characterized the school district’s claims as a “horrific smear.” She insisted that agents had made multiple attempts to have the boy’s mother, who was reportedly inside the house, take custody of him, but she declined.
Legal Context
Marc Prokosch, an attorney representing the Ramos family, stated that they entered the U.S. legally in 2024 and had applied for asylum. He claimed that the family’s compliance with immigration protocols highlights the cruelty of their situation.
The Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis has reached out to ICE to ensure Liam’s safety and well-being during his detention.
School and Community Impact
Liam’s teacher, Ella Sullivan, described him as “kind and loving,” expressing that his classmates miss him and hope for his safe return. Columbia Heights officials noted that other students have also been affected by recent ICE actions, with several families experiencing similar detentions.
Broader Implications
Minnesota has become a focal point for increased immigration enforcement activities, with DHS claiming thousands of arrests in recent weeks. Advocates for immigrants have raised concerns about the accuracy of the government’s arrest statistics and the treatment of those in custody.
The situation continues to evolve as the community seeks clarity and support for affected families.
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