New Delhi: The US immigration authorities detained a five-year-old boy from a school in Minneapolis, triggering controversy over what critics describe as harsh federal enforcement methods under the Trump administration. A person familiar with the matter alleged that the child, identified as Liam Conejo Ramos, was “used as bait” to nab his father, who was residing in the area.

The child, Liam, was taken from a running car in the family’s driveway on Tuesday. According to Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik, the father had asked the mother not to open the door if anyone came looking for him. Reacting to the incident, Stenvik questioned how a five-year-old child could be classified as a criminal.

Did the father abandon the child?

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson claimed that ICE did not target the child, but was attempting to arrest his father, who is from Ecuador and was allegedly staying in the US illegally. The spokesperson added that the father fled on foot, abandoning the child.

The spokesperson further stated that an official remained with the child to ensure his safety, adding that, under the rules, parents are given the option to have their child accompany them or be left with someone of their choice. However, Rachel James, a Columbia Heights city council member and neighbour, said she knew a neighbour who had authorised paperwork to take custody of the child, but the authorities ignored it.

‘Unable to contact them’: Family lawyer

Family lawyer Marc Prokosch said the family was detained in Dilley, Texas, and is likely being held in a family detention facility. He added that he had been unable to contact them.

“We’re looking at our legal options to see if we can free them either through some legal mechanisms or through moral pressure,” he said at a news conference.

VP JD Vance reacts

Reacting to the incident, US Vice President JD Vance termed it a “terrible story,” but added, “Well, what are they supposed to do? Are they supposed to let a five-year-old child freeze to death? Are they not supposed to arrest an illegal alien in the United States of America?”