The next court hearing for Liam and his family is on Friday.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. — Five-year-old Liam Ramos finally returned home to Minnesota this week after he and his father were detained by ICE in Texas on Jan. 20. But now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requesting the court expedite deportation proceedings in the case of Liam and his family. 

A photo of Liam went viral after ICE agents detained him at school pickup at Valley View Elementary School in Columbia Heights. A U.S. District Judge ruled Saturday that Liam and his father should be released from ICE detention, and they returned to Minnesota the next day.

But the legal battle has continued, as Liam’s father is seeking asylum. MPR reported that DHS filed the motion to expedite deportation proceedings on Wednesday, and the next court hearing for the family is Friday. 

In the Columbia Heights School District, at least three other students have been detained by ICE. Nicole Herje, a school social worker at Valley View Elementary School, said many students and families are scared to leave their homes and school staff is scrambling to keep up with students’ needs – from food to emotional support. 

Columbia Heights School District provided a statement Friday ahead of Liam’s asylum hearing: 

“Columbia Heights School District exists to provide stability, care, and connection. When a five-year-old like Liam and his family experience the turmoil our community has faced for months, that stability is shaken, with real and immediate effects on a child’s sense of safety, learning, and well-being. Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and surrounded by peers and trusted adults. They deserve to be in school learning and growing, not living in fear of separation.”

“People can disagree on policy and still agree on the fundamental truth that children should be protected from harm. It is important to speak up when student well-being is at stake, because that is what school leaders are entrusted to do, and because every child belongs in a classroom where they can learn and thrive.”