Minneapolis Principal Emotional as 5-Year-Old’s ICE Detention Continues

The situation surrounding 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos has sparked national concern and emotional responses from his school community. While returning home from school on January 20, 2023, Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos, were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in their driveway.

Principal’s Emotional Reaction

Jason Kuhlman, the principal of Valley View Elementary School in Columbia Heights, expressed deep concern for Liam’s well-being upon seeing a photo of him in detention. His emotional response highlighted the serious nature of Liam’s situation. “We got word that he was sick. That scares me,” Kuhlman told CBS News. He lamented, “How is he being treated? What medical attention is he getting?”

Background of the Detention

Liam and his father were apprehended as part of a wider ICE operation linked to federal immigration law violations. Their story gained significant media attention after Congressman Joaquin Castro visited the detention center in Texas. Castro described Liam as being depressed and sleeping excessively due to his circumstances.

Legal Developments

A federal judge has temporarily halted their deportation from the Dilley ICE detention center, where they are housed alongside other immigrant families. This ruling was seen as a pivotal moment for their case, according to Kuhlman. He remarked, “It was a win for us… knowing that he’s a step closer to coming back with us.”

Impact on the School Community

The emotional toll of Liam’s detention extends beyond just his family. Kuhlman stated that Liam’s absence has been felt throughout the school, which has a total enrollment of approximately 574 students. “His friends notice that he’s not here,” Kuhlman noted. The principal also mentioned that around 24 families from the school have experienced similar detentions.

Escalating Absence Rates

The impact of federal immigration operations on schools in the Twin Cities has been significant. Kuhlman reported that absence rates have surged, resembling levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “At one point, almost 200 kids are gone,” he stated, highlighting the widespread fear and anxiety gripping families.

Community Response and Support

In response to these challenges, Valley View Elementary has adapted its services to better meet the needs of families facing fear and uncertainty. The school has arranged for online classes and food deliveries for families hesitant to leave their homes due to the threat of detention.

• Online lessons initiated for safety.
• Food deliveries for families at risk.

Kuhlman noted that many parents prioritize their children’s education despite the risks involved. However, concerns remain about the safety of those delivering aid. “Just last Friday, I delivered food and… they followed me around out of the trailer park,” he recounted, emphasizing the risks faced by families.

A Call for Humanity

Kuhlman urges those who support aggressive immigration enforcement to reconsider their stance. “Open your eyes. Believe your eyes. He’s (Liam) not a criminal. It’s not politics, it’s about treating people like humans,” he asserted.

Liam Conejo Ramos’s situation continues to reflect the broader implications of immigration enforcement on families and communities. The resilience of those impacted remains a beacon of hope amid challenging circumstances.