Columbia Heights Public Schools

Columbia Heights Public Schools, located in a Minneapolis suburb, is at the center of a recent controversy involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The school district is newsworthy due to the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old preschool student, by ICE agents on January 20, 2026. According to school officials, Liam was apprehended along with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, after arriving home from school. The school alleges that Liam was 'essentially' used as 'bait' to apprehend his father, who is seeking asylum in the US. This incident has drawn significant attention as Liam is reportedly the fourth student from the district to be detained by immigration officers in recent weeks. The situation highlights ongoing immigration enforcement activities in the area and raises concerns about the impact on children and families within the school community.