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In a troubling development following the high-profile immigration case of 5-year-old Liam Ramos, Columbia Heights Public Schools in Minnesota closed all district facilities on February 2, 2026, after receiving bomb threats directed at multiple schools.
The threats came just as Liam returned home to Minnesota following his release from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Texas. A federal judge had ordered the boy’s release after his case garnered significant national attention when he was detained by ICE agents.
According to a statement released by the school district, officials became aware of the bomb threats in the early morning hours of February 2. Due to the timing, school administrators determined they could not fully investigate the threats before students would arrive, prompting them to cancel classes district-wide.
“Out of an abundance of caution, due to a credible threat, Columbia Heights Public Schools is closed today,” the district announced in both English and Spanish on its Facebook page. The notice explicitly directed students and staff to stay home.
The Columbia Heights Police Department immediately launched an investigation, searching affected campuses with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department, Columbia Heights Fire Department, and Metro Transit Police. Authorities found no suspicious packages or devices during their sweep of the facilities.
A district spokesperson, contacted about the incident, indicated that the threat was generalized and had been sent to multiple schools in the district. The spokesperson noted that such threats are not uncommon for schools or districts currently in the news spotlight.
Valley View Elementary School, where Liam attends kindergarten, was among the targeted schools. In the weeks prior to the bomb threats, the school had become a focal point in the immigration debate after Liam was detained by ICE. His classmates had reportedly drawn pictures and written letters calling for his release during his detention.
School district officials had previously held a news conference at Valley View Elementary claiming that ICE had used the 5-year-old as “bait” to make immigration arrests. The district has also been advocating for four other students reportedly still being held at an ICE detention facility in Texas.
The incident highlights the increasingly tense atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement actions that affect children. Columbia Heights, located in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, has a diverse student population, and the district has been vocal in its support for immigrant families within the community.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to identify the source of the threats. The school district announced that classes would resume normal operations on February 3.
The bomb threats represent an escalation in the contentious national debate over immigration enforcement policies, particularly those affecting minors. Education experts note that such disruptions not only impact learning but can create lasting psychological effects on young students already navigating complex social and political issues beyond their years.
Columbia Heights Public Schools has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students while continuing to advocate for those affected by immigration enforcement actions.
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16 Comments
Bomb threats against schools are completely unacceptable. I hope the police can swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible, and that the schools can reopen safely as soon as possible. This is a very disturbing development.
Bomb threats are no laughing matter, especially when they target schools. I hope the police get to the bottom of this quickly and ensure the safety of the students and staff. This is a troubling development.
This is a troubling turn of events. Bomb threats against schools are always deeply concerning. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this quickly and ensure the safety of the students and staff.
Bomb threats against schools are a serious matter and must be investigated thoroughly. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this quickly and ensure the safety of the students and staff. This is a very concerning development.
Agreed, the safety of the school community is the top priority. Hopefully the investigation leads to the arrest of those responsible and the schools can reopen safely as soon as possible.
Scary situation. Targeting schools with bomb threats is a despicable act. I hope the authorities find the culprits soon and that the schools can reopen safely. This is a concerning development amidst the immigration case.
This is a very serious issue. Bomb threats against schools are completely unacceptable. I hope the investigation leads to the arrest of those responsible and that the schools can resume normal operations quickly and safely.
Agreed, the safety and wellbeing of students and staff must be the top priority. Hopefully the authorities can resolve this situation swiftly while also addressing the underlying immigration case.
This is a deeply concerning development. Bomb threats against schools are completely unacceptable and must be dealt with swiftly. I hope the authorities can resolve this situation quickly and ensure the safety of the students and staff.
This is a very troubling situation. Bomb threats against schools are completely unacceptable and must be taken extremely seriously. I hope the police can resolve this quickly and ensure the safety of the students and staff.
This is a complex issue intersecting immigration, national security, and community safety. I hope the authorities can resolve the situation swiftly while upholding the rights and wellbeing of all involved.
Absolutely. These types of threats against schools are extremely concerning and must be taken seriously. Hopefully the investigation provides answers and restores a sense of security.
Troubling situation. Bomb threats against schools are extremely concerning, especially with a high-profile immigration case involving a young child. Hopefully the investigation leads to the culprits and the schools can reopen safely soon.
Agreed, the safety and security of students and staff is the top priority. Law enforcement must act quickly to determine the credibility of these threats and take appropriate action.
Scary stuff. Bomb threats targeting schools are a major threat to public safety. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this quickly and ensure the security of the students and staff. This is a very concerning situation.
Absolutely. The safety of children and educators must be the top priority. Hopefully the investigation leads to the arrest of those responsible and the schools can resume normal operations soon.