1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am a constituent writing because I am worried about a five-year-old child named Liam who is currently being held in ICE custody. He is very young, far from home, and struggling while in government care. We may disagree on many issues, but I trust that your concern for children is real. I would not be writing if I did not believe this truly mattered. I ask you to think about the children in your own life—children you love and feel responsible for. Imagine one of them taken while returning from preschool, moved far from home, feeling sick, refusing food, and asking for their parent and classroom. That is what Liam is experiencing now. Liam did not choose any of this. He does not understand the systems or conflicts surrounding him. He depends entirely on adults to protect him and to reduce harm when he is afraid or unwell. Lawmakers who have seen Liam report that he is lethargic and not eating well. At the same time, immigration detention facilities have been widely reported to struggle with overcrowding, sanitation, and consistent access to nutritious food and medical care. Even a short stay in such conditions can be overwhelming for a child his age. I hope you will choose mercy and take action for Liam. Releasing him would protect a vulnerable child and show that kindness is still possible, even in difficult and weary times. Liam is a child. Protecting him matters.