ICE agents in Minnesota detained a five-year-old boy, with authorities claiming he was used as bait to gain entry to his home.
Child Recognized as “Brutal Criminal”
In Minnesota, ICE agents detained five-year-old Liam Ramos in the afternoon in the driveway of his home, shortly after his father picked him up from kindergarten. The school curator of the Columbia Heights Public School District claims the child was used as “bait” to allow ICE agents into the home.
“Why detain a five-year-old? You can’t tell me that this child was recognized as a brutal criminal,” said Zena Stenvik. It was reported that Liam’s family abides by the law, and their asylum case is in progress. Importantly: no deportation order has been issued in their case.
Authorities Deny Child Was Target
The Department of Homeland Security stated that “the child was not the target of ICE.” The agents were tasked with detaining the five-year-old’s father. When officers approached the man, he fled, leaving the boy alone.
“For the child’s safety, one of their ICE officers remained with the child,” reported the department’s spokeswoman. She added that those detained are asked whether children will go with them or be placed under the care of designated persons.
17-Year-Old Also Detained
The Columbia Heights Public School District reported that on Tuesday, ICE agents detained at least four minors in total. One of them is a 17-year-old who was detained by masked officers on his way to school.
“He was pulled out of the car and taken,” CBS News reports.