Breaking: ICE Detentions Roil Minnesota School District as Four Students Taken
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In a rapid sequence of actions that has unsettled families and educators, four students from a Minnesota school district were detained by immigration officers in recent days. Administrators say the events have shaken the sense of safety around schools in the Columbia Heights Public School District.
The district reports that the first incident involved a 17-year-old student who was on his way to class. He was pulled from his car and taken into custody by officers, a development that left the school community reeling.
Later that same day, a 5-year-old named Liam ramos was taken with his father while returning home from preschool. Officials describe the arrest as happening in their driveway after they had just arrived home, noting the child was used to identify other residents at the location.Superintendent Zena Stenvik underscored the concern, asking why a child of that age would be detained and whether such a young person could be considered a violent criminal.
Two weeks prior, a fourth-grade student, 10 years old, was apprehended by agents as she was heading to elementary school with her mother. During the episode,the child phoned her father to say ICE agents were taking her to school,prompting the father to rush to the campus to learn that both his wife and daughter had been detained.
District officials say all four children and their parents are currently held in a detention facility in Texas. They note that Liam Ramos’ family is pursuing an asylum case and does not have any deportation order in place. The district has stated it does not fully understand the sequence of events and is calling for public involvement, saying this situation is not isolated to a single district but affects schools across Minnesota.
“Why detain a 5-year-old? It’s hard to reconcile that with a classification of violent behavior,” the superintendent said. The district has engaged an immigration attorney to help pursue the students’ return to Minnesota while officials seek clarity on the events surrounding these arrests.
Officials with the district report continued ICE activity near schools,contributing to a climate of anxiety among students,families,and staff.The district says the ongoing presence has kept the community on edge and is urging residents to contact their congressional representatives to advocate for a peaceful resolution that restores a sense of safety in schools.
What We Know at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbia Heights Public School District, Minnesota |
| Incidents | Four students detained by immigration officers in separate events |
| Ages of detained students | 17-year-old (first incident), 5-year-old Liam Ramos, 10-year-old (two weeks earlier) |
| dates | First incident on a tuesday; a subsequent event later that afternoon; another incident two weeks prior |
| Detention location | Detention facility in Texas |
| Legal status | Liam Ramos’ family pursuing an asylum claim; no deportation order reported |
| District actions | Engaging an immigration attorney; appealing for public and congressional support |
| Current ICE activity | Ongoing presence near schools, according to district officials |
Context: What this Means for Schools and Families
Arrests linked to immigration enforcement on or near school campuses raise questions about student safety, family trust, and the stability of the learning surroundings. Experts note that such episodes can disrupt attendance, affect teacher focus, and create ongoing anxiety among families who rely on schools as safe spaces for children. While each case involves distinct legal circumstances, communities are urged to engage with lawmakers and advocate for procedures that prioritize the well-being and rights of minors and their families.
Evergreen Takeaways for Readers
– Schools are navigating complex interactions between law enforcement and education, underscoring the need for clear protocols to protect students while ensuring lawful processes for immigration enforcement for adults.
– Families affected by immigration actions may pursue asylum or other protective statuses; schools and districts often work with legal counsel to understand options and timelines.
– Community engagement plays a crucial role in shaping responses from local representatives and school leaders during periods of heightened enforcement activity near educational facilities.
Questions for Readers
1) What safeguards should schools implement to shield students from immigration enforcement while preserving safety and due process?
2) How can communities collaborate with schools and lawmakers to ensure stable learning environments during immigration enforcement actions?
What You can Do
share your perspective or experiences in the comments below. If you have questions for local representatives,consider reaching out to your congressional office to advocate for policies that support student safety and humane treatment in enforcement actions near schools.
Disclaimer: This report covers ongoing legal and policy matters. For specific legal advice, consult qualified counsel.
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Background: ICE Enforcement in U.S. Schools
- As 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased “school-based detentions” under the Immigration Enforcement Priority Framework.
- The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance in 2022 urging districts to protect undocumented students from civil immigration enforcement.
- National data from the American Immigration Council shows over 2,200 school‑linked ICE actions between 2020‑2023, prompting widespread policy reviews.
Timeline of the columbia Heights Incident
- January 3, 2026 – ICE agents arrived at Columbia Heights Middle School for a scheduled “immigration status check.”
- January 5, 2026 – Two sophomore students were taken into custody and placed in ICE detention for pending removal proceedings.
- January 9, 2026 – The Columbia Heights School Board held an emergency meeting,releasing a public statement condemning the detentions.
- January 14, 2026 – Local media (e.g., Columbia Heights Gazette) reported that the district filed a formal request for a policy waiver to limit future ICE presence on campus.
School District Response and policy Adjustments
- Immediate actions announced by the district:
* Suspension of all non‑law‑enforcement personnel from facilitating ICE visits.
* Creation of a confidential reporting hotline for students and staff.
- Long‑term policy revisions (adopted January 20, 2026):
- “safe‑School Clause” – Requires a written subpoena from a federal judge before any ICE officer may enter school property.
- Legal counsel on‑site – Partnership with the ACLU of Minnesota to provide real‑time support for affected families.
- Training module – Mandatory annual training for teachers on “No Your Rights” and how to respond to immigration enforcement actions.
Legal Landscape and Student Rights
- Supreme Court precedent: Plyler v. Doe (1982) protects K‑12 education for undocumented children, reinforcing that denial of schooling is unconstitutional.
- State protections: Minnesota’s “Safe Schools, Safe Kids” statute (2021) bars state‑funded schools from cooperating with federal immigration raids without a judicial warrant.
- Due process considerations: ICE must present individualized suspicion and comply with the Fourth Amendment when entering school premises; blanket “sweeps” have repeatedly been ruled unlawful in district courts.
Community Impact and Advocacy Efforts
- Student activism: Over 300 students organized a “Walk‑Out for Safety” protest on January 22, 2026, drawing attention from state legislators.
- Parent coalition: The Columbia Heights Immigrant Parents Association (CHIPA) compiled a petition with 5,400 signatures demanding district transparency.
- Legal aid surge: Local law firms reported a 45 % increase in pro‑bono immigration cases linked to school detentions in February 2026.
Practical Steps for Parents, Teachers, and Administrators
| Role | Immediate Actions | Ongoing Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | • Keep copies of all immigration documents in a secure, portable folder. • Register your child’s emergency contact with the school’s “Student Safety” portal. |
• Attend district board meetings to monitor policy changes. • Connect with community legal clinics for updates on case status. |
| Teachers | • Memorize the “ICE‑School Protocol” (no talk, no hand‑over, call district legal counsel). • Use the district’s anonymous reporting app to flag any ICE presence. |
• Incorporate “civic rights” modules into lesson plans (e.g.,Constitution basics). • Maintain a curated list of trusted immigration‑rights organizations to share with families. |
| Administrators | • Verify any federal request with the district attorney before granting campus access. • Issue a “Campus Safety notice” to staff within 24 hours of any ICE inquiry. |
• Conduct quarterly audits of compliance with state “Safe Schools” statutes. • Publish an annual transparency report detailing ICE interactions. |
Resources and Support Organizations
- ACLU of Minnesota – Immigrant Rights Project: Free legal consultations, policy advocacy guides, and rapid‑response hotlines.
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Updates on federal enforcement trends and template letters for school districts.
- Minnesota Department of Education – Office of Safe Schools: Provides compliance checklists and training webinars for district staff.
- Community Legal Aid (CLA) – Columbia Heights Branch: Pro‑bono depiction for families facing detention; weekly “Know‑Your‑Rights” workshops.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Proactive policy—districts that require a judicial warrant before ICE entry dramatically reduce detainment incidents.
- Clear communication—regular updates to families build trust and mitigate panic during enforcement actions.
- Collaborative advocacy—schools, parents, and civil‑rights groups achieve stronger protection when they coordinate legal and public‑pressure strategies.
For the latest developments, monitor the Columbia Heights School Board website, local news outlets, and the ACLU’s immigration‑rights alerts.
