Minneapolis, United States. Immigration agents detained a five-year-old boy and his father in their driveway in Minnesota after they arrived home from school on Tuesday, then flew them to a detention centre in Texas, according to a report by The Guardian. District officials said the boy was the fourth child from Columbia Heights schools detained by ICE in two weeks.
Detention outside family home
District officials said the father’s car was still running when superintendent Zena Stenvik arrived at the house and found both already in custody. Stenvik said an agent pulled the child, Liam Ramos, from the vehicle, walked him to the front door and made him knock while checking whether anyone else was inside.
Stenvik said agents used a five-year-old as bait. Another adult living at the home watched the incident and asked agents to let Liam stay, district officials said, but they refused.
School district response
District officials said Liam’s older brother returned from middle school about 20 minutes later to find his father and younger brother gone. Two principals arrived to help, officials said.
Schools released two photos, one showing Liam at his front door with a masked agent standing beside him, and another showing him near a car while a man held his backpack.
Attorney says family has active asylum claim
Marc Prokosch, an attorney for the family, said they have an active asylum claim and entered the United States at an official port of entry. He said the family followed rules and that no deportation order exists against them, adding that he believes the father and son remain together in detention.
DHS disputes account of events
The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday night that ICE carried out a targeted operation to arrest the father, whom Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described as an illegal alien, not the child.
McLaughlin said the father ran off on foot and abandoned his son, and that an officer stayed with Liam for his safety while others detained the father. She added that ICE asks parents whether they want removal with their children or whether agents should place children with someone safe the parent names.
Teacher statement
Liam’s teacher sent a statement through the district expressing shock and describing him as bright, kind and loving. The teacher said Liam’s classmates miss him and said they want him back in class and safe.
What do you think should happen to children when a parent is detained by immigration agents?
