Family Alleges ICE Held 5-Year-Old Outside Leominster Home

(LEOMINSTER, MASSACHUSETTS) A family in Leominster says federal ICE agents held their 5-year-old daughter outside their home to pressure her father to come out and surrender to immigration authorities. The child’s mother says the girl, who is on the autism spectrum, was separated from the family during the encounter.

In a video recorded by relatives, a voice can be heard saying, “They took my daughter, she’s **5 years old. She has autism spectrum. Give me my daughter back.”* The incident occurred on a recent Tuesday, according to the family, and the clip has since circulated in local media, drawing swift outrage and calls for an investigation.

The father, identified by relatives as Edward Hip, a Guatemalan national who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for about 22 years, reportedly ran back toward the parking lot outside their Leominster residence as ICE agents approached.

In the video, agents can be heard asking, “Is that your daughter? Come here so I can see those IDs,” and telling the man to come out and present identification. The mother says agents also warned they would enter the home if the door was not opened within 15 minutes. Leominster police arrived soon after, recovered the child, and returned her to her family.

As of publication, there has been no official statement from ICE about the encounter, and the agency has not confirmed details of the operation. The family’s account, supported by the video, forms the basis of what is publicly known. Local leaders say they want to know why a small child was separated from her mother during what appears to have been a residential enforcement action.

Family’s account and video evidence

Relatives say ICE agents came to the building seeking Hip and began questioning the family outside. When he moved away, agents allegedly took hold of the daughter and stood with her in view of the home while telling Hip to come forward.

The mother says she told agents her daughter has autism and was becoming distressed. The video includes repeated pleas to return the child. Witnesses say the standoff ended only after Leominster police intervened and returned the girl.

Neighbors who saw the clip described it as frightening, especially for parents of young children. Advocates note that even brief separations can be traumatizing for children with sensory and communication needs.

Mental health professionals in the city say the family will likely need support to help the child sleep, eat, and attend school without fear. The family says they want accountability and answers about how the operation was planned and carried out in a residential setting.

“They took my daughter, she’s 5 years old. She has autism spectrum. Give me my daughter back.” — voice captured on family video

Legal context and DHS guidance

Civil immigration enforcement at private homes follows rules that are often confusing for families. In general, agents need consent to enter a home unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

• An administrative immigration warrant—commonly used in civil cases—does not allow entry into a private dwelling without permission.
• This is why many residential operations take place at a doorway or outside the home when people step out.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, families often feel unsure of their rights during these encounters, especially when agents request that someone “come outside” to show ID.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued guidance for enforcement actions in or near “protected areas,” such as schools, medical offices, and places where children gather. While a private home is not listed as a protected area, the guidance stresses care around places serving vulnerable people.

The full DHS guidance is available on the department’s website: Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas.

The Leominster case has raised questions about how these principles apply when children—especially those with disabilities—are present during an arrest effort.

Local response and law enforcement coordination

Leominster police did not immediately provide further details beyond confirming officers returned the child to her family. City officials say they are assessing what happened and how local officers can help ensure child safety if federal operations unfold near homes.

Advocates are pressing for clear protocols so that, when ICE agents approach a residence, local police can make sure children are not used in ways that cause fear or distress. Faith leaders in Leominster have offered to help the family access counseling and legal support.

ICE’s public materials state that officers may request identification and may question individuals about immigration status. However, critics say the Leominster video appears to show a tactic that risks harm to a child.

Lawyers note that actions involving minors can carry legal and ethical concerns, especially where a disability is involved. They want to know whether agents followed agency policy and whether supervisors reviewed the operation beforehand.

So far:

• There are no reports of disciplinary action against any ICE agents involved.
• There is no confirmation that the father was arrested or that he entered removal proceedings.
• Many questions remain about operational planning, disability accommodation, and coordination with local police.

Community impact and support needs

For families in Leominster and beyond, the stakes are high. Parents fear that children could be swept up in adult confrontations with federal officers.

Social workers warn that even short separations can create lasting anxiety, nightmares, and school avoidance. Local schools say they are preparing to support any child who may have witnessed a similar scene, with extra counseling and communication with parents.

City leaders highlight that while state and local officials often have limited power over federal operations, local policy choices still matter. Improvements could include:

• Police training on child-sensitive practices
• Clear lines for when and how local officers assist federal operations
• Rapid de-escalation procedures when minors are present

Officials say they plan to review incident protocols with an eye toward child safety.

Practical advice from immigrant-rights groups

Immigrant rights groups in North Central Massachusetts say they have documented a rise in calls from families worried about residential enforcement. They recommend steps residents can take to keep children safe if ICE agents arrive:

1. Ask officers to slide any warrant under the door.
2. Check whether a warrant is signed by a judge (not just an agency supervisor).
3. Keep children with a trusted adult and avoid sudden movements that can escalate tension.
4. If you choose not to open the door, speak through the door and state that you do not consent to entry.

Community members say they understand that ICE agents have a tough job, but they believe there are safer ways to conduct arrests without pulling a child away from a parent.

Next steps, accountability, and ongoing concerns

The family wants accountability and a guarantee it won’t happen again—to them or to their neighbors. The mother says she hopes federal and local agencies will meet with the family and provide assurances that children will not be used to pressure adults during enforcement.

Community groups are gathering statements from witnesses and collecting additional video to support a formal complaint, should the family choose to file one.

As the video circulates, pressure is mounting for ICE to address what happened outside that Leominster home. Residents want clarity on:

• Policy governing residential enforcement when children are present
• Training for agents on handling minors and people with disabilities
• How officers weigh children’s safety during arrests

Until the agency responds, the incident will remain a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over how ICE agents conduct residential operations—and how communities can protect children caught in the middle.