A federal judge has mandated the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from a Texas detention facility by Tuesday. This decision follows their detention by immigration officers in Minnesota on January 20, 2024. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies in his ruling, which has sparked widespread concern.
The case gained significant attention after images of Liam, clad in a bunny hat and carrying a Spider-Man backpack, surfaced. These images depicted him being surrounded by officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), intensifying criticism of the administration’s immigration strategies. Judge Biery highlighted the emotional toll of such enforcement practices, stating that the case stemmed from “ill-conceived” deportation quotas that could traumatize children.
Liam and his father were apprehended in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights. They were subsequently transported to a detention center located in Dilley, Texas. Reports from neighbors and school officials indicated that federal immigration officers allegedly used Liam as “bait” to lure his mother. The Department of Homeland Security has refuted this claim, characterizing it as an “abject lie,” asserting instead that Arias fled, leaving Liam in a running vehicle.
The government contends that Arias entered the United States illegally from Ecuador in December 2024. However, their attorney asserts that he has a pending asylum claim, which should allow him to remain in the country legally. The family’s detention has prompted public protests at the Texas facility and visits from congressional representatives, including Texas Democrats Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett.
In his ruling, Judge Biery underscored the government’s apparent disregard for fundamental American values. He drew parallels between the current administration’s actions and grievances noted in the Declaration of Independence, specifically referencing past complaints about governmental overreach and the harassment of citizens.
Judge Biery included poignant references in his ruling, such as a photograph of Liam and notable biblical verses, emphasizing the innocence of children. His ruling illustrates a broader trend among federal judges who have recently challenged ICE’s actions. A Minnesota judge with conservative credentials described ICE as a consistent violator of court mandates related to immigration enforcement.
The White House Chief of Staff for Policy, Stephen Miller, has publicly stated that there is a target of 3,000 immigration arrests daily, which Judge Biery seemingly critiqued as a quota system. Requests for comment from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security went unanswered.
The Law Firm of Jennifer Scarborough, representing the family, expressed relief at the ruling, stating that their focus can now shift to reuniting and healing after this traumatic experience. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring a safe reunion.
During a visit by representatives Castro and Crockett, Liam was seen resting in his father’s arms. Reports indicate that the child has been struggling with fatigue and inadequate nutrition while in detention, a facility housing approximately 1,100 individuals. Detainees have reported unsatisfactory conditions, including issues with food quality and access to clean water and medical care.
In December, an internal report by ICE acknowledged that around 400 children had been held longer than the recommended limit of 20 days, raising further concerns about the treatment of families in detention. The ongoing scrutiny of ICE’s practices highlights the need for reform in how immigration policies are implemented and enforced across the United States.
