‘Why detain a 5-year-old?’ Columbia Heights school leaders speak out over students taken by ICE

ICE agents have detained students on their way to and from school and also tried to get onto school property, the Columbia Heights Public Schools superintendent said in an emotional news conference Wednesday.

By: Becky Z. Dernbach

Outlets: Sahan Journal

Published: January 22, 2026

Words: 894

Last Updated: 6 days ago

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A small stuffed turtle, a water bottle, and a blanket fill 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos’ cubby. A gray winter hat hangs from his hook. A worksheet to help him trace the letter W waits for him at his desk.

But it’s unclear when or whether Liam will be able to return for his stuffed turtle, his hat, and his W worksheet. Liam, a prekindergartener at Columbia Heights’ Valley View Elementary, was detained by Immigration and …

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