| By Jonathan Ferreira |
A five-year-old caught in an immigration operation has ignited fierce debate in Minnesota, raising urgent questions about how far enforcement can go when children become collateral damage in federal actions.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained a young child and his father during an immigration operation in Minnesota, sparking widespread criticism from school officials and community leaders. The five year old boy, identified as Liam Ramos, was with his father when agents approached their home. Authorities said the operation was aimed at the father, who the Department of Homeland Security described as an undocumented immigrant. Officials insisted the child was not the target of enforcement, while school representatives questioned why such a young child became involved in the incident and expressed concern about the emotional impact on children in the community.
Immigration officials disputed claims that the child was detained, stating the father fled and left the child behind, forcing officers to ensure the child’s safety in extreme weather. ICE said it attempted to place the child with family members inside the home but was refused. However, school officials and witnesses said other adults offered to take custody of the boy and were denied. Photos shared by the school district showed the child standing outside in winter clothing while an officer held his backpack. The family’s lawyer said both father and child were later transported to a detention facility in Texas and were seeking asylum after arriving from Ecuador last year.
The case has intensified debate around immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota, where several other students have reportedly been detained in recent weeks. Local officials warned that the increased enforcement activity is causing trauma among children and families. Federal authorities defended their actions, saying operations are lawful and focused on public safety. Protests have grown across the state amid broader concerns over immigration policy, funding for enforcement agencies, and recent incidents involving federal officers. The situation has highlighted deep divisions over how immigration laws should be enforced when children are involved.
