Columbia Heights Leaders Respond After ICE Detains Students
Columbia Heights is grappling with distressing events following the recent detention of students by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was apprehended alongside his father after school on January 20, 2026, a situation that has left both the community and school officials deeply unsettled.
Details of the Incident
Liam, a prekindergarten student at Valley View Elementary, had just returned home from school. His detention represents the fourth such incident involving students in the district this month. School Superintendent Zena Stenvik addressed these events at a press conference, highlighting the emotional turmoil they have created.
Community Impact and Response
Stenvik recounted how ICE agents took Liam from his family’s vehicle, despite the pleas of another adult present to care for him. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children in the community. In her emotional appeal, Stenvik stated, “This family follows U.S. legal parameters and has an active asylum case.”
Ella Sullivan, Liam’s teacher, mourned the loss of his presence in the classroom, calling him a “bright young student” who brings joy to his peers. Sullivan expressed fears that Liam’s friends would soon realize he was missing.
Other Students Detained
On the same day, another student—a 17-year-old high schooler—was taken during a car ride to school, underscoring a disturbing trend. In recent weeks, multiple students have been targeted:
- A 10-year-old girl and her mother detained while heading to school.
- A 17-year-old high school student and her mother apprehended in their apartment.
The District’s Deteriorating Environment
Superintendent Stenvik highlighted a noticeable decline in school attendance, with one day seeing a third of students absent. The school district has responded by holding indoor recesses when ICE operations are nearby and is expanding online learning options for elementary students.
Community members have rallied together, providing support such as over $10,000 in food donations for local families affected by the fear surrounding these events. School board chair Mary Granlund emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for students, both during school hours and at school events.
Legal Concerns and Future Actions
In light of these detentions, Prokosch, the family lawyer representing Liam, announced intentions to file a habeas corpus petition seeking Liam’s release. He stressed that the family has complied with all immigration procedures correctly and legally.
The community is urged to advocate for immediate intervention, reaching out to congressional representatives to facilitate a peaceful resolution to these troubling incidents. As the situation unfolds, Columbia Heights faces a critical period, demanding a comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and stability of its students and families.
