ICE agents in Minnesota detained a 5-year-old boy after school officials claim he was used as ‘bait’ to enter his family’s home.
Child Detained Amid Asylum Proceedings
ICE agents in Minnesota detained 5-year-old Liam Ramos on the driveway of his home in the afternoon, shortly after his father picked him up from kindergarten. According to a school curator for the Columbia Heights Public School District, the child was used as “bait” to allow ICE officers entry into the house.
“Why would you detain a five-year-old? You can’t tell me this child was considered a brutal criminal,” said Zena Stenvik. The family reportedly follows immigration laws, and their asylum case is currently in progress, with no deportation order issued in their case.
Authorities Dispute Claims About Child Being Target
The Department of Homeland Security stated that “the child was not the target of ICE.” Agents were reportedly assigned to detain the boy’s father, who fled when officers approached, leaving the child alone. “For the child’s safety, one of the ICE officers remained with the child,” a department spokesperson said. Those being detained are asked whether children should go with them or be placed under the care of designated individuals.
Another Teenager Also Detained
The Columbia Heights Public School District reported that ICE agents detained at least four minors on Tuesday, including a 17-year-old who was reportedly pulled from a car by masked officers on his way to school. “They pulled him out of the car and took him,” CBS News reported.