Little Faces, Big Fear: How Interior ICE Enforcement Affects Children

Little Liam Conejo Ramos, wearing his bright blue bunny hat, was detained with his parent by federal agents on Tuesday, according to school officials and the family’s lawyer. Courtesy of Columbia Heights Public Schools.

By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026

Across Minneapolis and St. Paul, federal immigration enforcement operations have shaken neighborhoods, schools, and families. The youngest victims, children like Liam Conejo Ramos, are feeling the consequences most acutely. What are the long-term ramifications for these families?

What Is Interior Enforcement by ICE?

Interior enforcement refers to ICE operations inside U.S. communities targeting noncitizens suspected of immigration violations. Unlike border patrols, these actions take place in homes, streets, workplaces, and schools. ICE uses administrative warrants to carry out arrests and detentions, often without prior notice to families.

Federal guidance, including ICE’s Detained Parents Directive, advises agents to consider parental rights and child welfare, but these are internal policies — not enforceable law — and do not guarantee family protection.

Minnesota’s Recent Enforcement and the Impact on Children

On Tuesday, little Liam Conejo Ramos, a student at Valley View Elementary, was detained with his parent by federal agents. Video shows Liam in his bright blue bunny hat, facing the arrest outside his home — a moment that shocked his school and community.

Other children, from toddlers to teenagers, have been affected by ICE activity near schools. Parents report keeping kids home in fear, prompting attendance drops and neighborhood patrols.

🧸 The Human Toll on Children

Fear and Trauma
Exposure to armed federal agents can cause anxiety, sleep disruption, and emotional distress, with potential long-term effects on children’s development. (ACF/ORR overview)

Disrupted Family Stability
Detention of a parent can displace children, placing them with relatives or foster care. Family separation disrupts routines and emotional bonds critical for healthy development. (American Immigration Council)

Educational Impact
Children missing school due to fear or parental detention risk academic setbacks, social isolation, and challenges reintegrating into classrooms.

Official Programs and Resources to Help Families and Children

ICE Detainee Locator

ICE Parental Interests / Enforcement Inquiries

ORR – Office of Refugee Resettlement

Legal Orientation Programs (EOIR / Immigration Court)

Child Welfare & Safety Concerns

  • National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453

Community Legal Support

How Communities Can Help

  • Legal Aid: Connect families with attorneys or legal orientation programs.
  • Trauma-Informed Support: Schools and community centers can provide counseling, tutoring, and safe spaces for children.
  • Advocacy: Engage policymakers to demand transparency and alternatives to detention.
  • Material Assistance: Provide food, transportation, housing, and other resources for families experiencing temporary hardship.

Conclusion

Interior ICE enforcement operations reach far beyond the adults they target. Children like Liam face fear, disruption, and trauma that can echo for years. While federal directives and programs exist to protect child welfare, community support, legal advocacy, and proactive resources are critical to keeping families together and minimizing harm.

Sidebar: Quick Help for Families & Children

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