HOLD UP—HERE’S THE REAL STORY ON THE 5-YEAR-OLD AND ICE

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA — Let’s slow this train down a second, because this story’s been growin legs faster than a raccoon in a cornfield.

Here’s what actually went down.

ICE showed up for a targeted arrest. They were there for the father, not the kid. When agents moved in, the father took off running. Whether you call it panic, bad judgment, or flat-out wrong, that move left a 5-year-old standing there with nobody holding his hand.

Now here’s where folks start hollerin.

ICE says one officer stayed with the child for safety, while others chased down the father. They say the kid was not arrested, not charged, and not a target. According to them, once the situation was under control, the child was released into proper care.

Local officials and family advocates say parts of that don’t sit right. They claim:

• Another adult was nearby and could’ve taken the child sooner

• The scene happened fast and scared the hell outta the kid

• The whole thing could’ve been handled better

What nobody disputes:

• The operation was about the father

• The father ran

• The child didn’t commit any crime

• The child ended up safe

So no, this wasn’t ICE out hunting kids like some internet posts want you to believe.
And no, it also wasn’t a clean, pretty situation anybody should cheer for.

This is one of those ugly, real-world moments where adult decisions cause kid problems, and then politics jumps in like it owns the place.

At TVOTT Hillbilly News, we’re sayin it plain:

• Don’t use kids for propaganda

• Don’t lie for clicks

• And don’t ignore facts just because they don’t fit your side

If you want to be mad, be mad at the choices that put a child in that position to begin with. And if you want change, demand clearer rules that protect kids without letting adults dodge responsibility.

We’ll keep watchin this one. Loudly. Fairly. And without the bullshit.