Who is Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis? The 2-year-old at the centre of a US immigration storm

Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis is just two years old. She lives in Minneapolis, likes going out with her parents, and until last week, had no idea what immigration laws or federal agents were. But on January 22, her name suddenly found its way into headlines across the US.That day, Chloe was with her father, Elvis Joel Tipan Echeverri, returning from a grocery run in South Minneapolis. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an agent noticed Elvis driving “erratically” with a child in the car and decided to stop the vehicle.What happened next quickly turned tense.Federal officials say Elvis, an immigrant from Ecuador, refused to open his door or roll down the window when asked. They accused him of unlawful re-entry into the United States and placed him under arrest. Chloe, still in the car, was taken into custody along with him.The Department of Homeland Security later said that officers tried to hand the toddler over to her mother, Deicy Vilacis Ruiz. According to their version, she declined to take Chloe at that moment. Officials added that law enforcement then cared for the child and ensured she stayed with her father. Both are now being held together at a federal facility.But outside that account, the incident quickly sparked anger and concern.Minneapolis City Councilmember Jason Chavez stepped in to support the family, setting up a GoFundMe page titled “Help bring 2-year-old Chloe and her father home.” The fundraiser is meant to help Deicy manage bond payments, legal costs, rent, and basic living expenses. In just days, it crossed the $50,000 mark.The arrest itself also drew a crowd.DHS said that around 120 people gathered at the scene, blocking ICE vehicles and preventing agents from leaving. According to the department, some protesters threw rocks and garbage cans in the direction of the officers and the child.Photojournalist Ellen Schmidt, who witnessed the scene, shared a different picture online. In an Instagram post, she described bystanders shouting, blowing whistles, and protesting loudly as agents tried to drive away. She also said chemical irritants were used on the crowd. DHS confirmed that “crowd control measures” were necessary to clear the area safely.For now, Chloe remains with her father in federal custody, while her mother waits and hopes for their release.And in the middle of legal arguments, protests, and official statements, there is still just one simple truth.A two-year-old went out to buy groceries with her father, and did not come home.