A federal judge in the United States orders the release of a five-year-old boy and his father from an immigration detention center in Texas, following widespread concern over their arrest during a raid in Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery declares the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos unlawful in a ruling issued on Saturday, sharply criticizing the actions as an abuse of power and unnecessary cruelty.
Background of the Detention
The case draws national attention after images surface of Liam, wearing a blue bunny hat and carrying a Spider-Man backpack, being taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from a Minneapolis suburb. These photos highlight the intense immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Biery’s decision points to the flawed execution of daily deportation goals, even at the expense of traumatizing children. The judge notes that while the family might eventually face deportation due to the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, such outcomes should follow a more humane and structured process.
Federal officials describe the Minnesota operation as the largest immigration enforcement action in history, involving around 3,000 agents. This surge leads to daily confrontations between activists and officers, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal agents. Protests erupt across the country, with significant mobilization in Minnesota.
School records from the Columbia Heights Public School District in Minneapolis indicate Liam is among at least four students detained by immigration authorities this month. Superintendent Zena Stenvik reports that ICE agents removed the child from a running vehicle in the family’s driveway on January 20, instructing him to knock on his home’s door—a move she describes as using the boy as bait to lure other relatives.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes this narrative. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin states that an ICE officer stayed with Liam for his protection while others arrested his father.
Judge’s Scathing Ruling
In his opinion, Biery condemns the government’s approach, referencing a push for 3,000 daily arrests—a target previously mentioned by White House policy chief Stephen Miller. The ruling includes a photo of Liam and quotes from the Bible, such as Jesus saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” and “Jesus wept.”
Biery compares the administration’s tactics to grievances outlined in the Declaration of Independence against King George III, including the deployment of officers to harass citizens and incite domestic unrest. He laments the apparent disregard for this foundational American document.
Government and Family Perspectives
Vice President JD Vance defends the enforcement strategies during a news conference, acknowledging the trauma to children but asserting that parenthood does not grant immunity from law enforcement.
The Trump administration claims Conejo Arias entered the U.S. illegally from Ecuador in December 2024. However, the family’s attorney maintains they hold a valid asylum claim permitting legal stay in the country.
After detention, Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, transfer to the Dilley facility in Texas, where reports detail harsh conditions including illness, malnutrition, and a rising number of detained children. Texas Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett visit the site earlier this week. Castro notes Liam slept through their 30-minute meeting, while his father describes the boy as depressed and sad.
Path Forward and Broader Context
The legal team at the Law Firm of Jennifer Scarborough, representing the family, announces that Liam and his father will soon reunite with relatives. “We are pleased that the family will now be able to focus on being together and finding some peace after this traumatic ordeal,” the firm states.
Minnesota officials urge the Trump administration to halt the state-wide crackdown. However, another federal judge denies a request from Attorney General Keith Ellison and others for a preliminary injunction to stop the operation on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Trump directs DHS to avoid involvement in protests in Democratic-led cities unless requested or federal property faces threats. The Department of Justice and DHS offer no immediate response to Biery’s ruling.
