ICE Detains 5-Year-Old Amidst Ongoing Immigration Case, Halting Immediate Deportation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials recently took a significant action by detaining a 5-year-old boy, Liam Adrian Conejo Ramos, along with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos, in Minneapolis. Their situation highlights ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement tactics and policies.

Details of the Detention Incident

On January 20, 2026, ICE apprehended Liam and his father during an operation that has gone viral. Government records reveal that Liam and his father have ongoing immigration cases that are still pending in court. As a result, neither individual can be legally deported at this time. The case dates back to December 17, 2024, when it was first filed in immigration court.

Background of the Family

Representatives for the family disclosed that they are originally from Ecuador and entered the United States in 2024 to seek asylum. They reportedly utilized a government-sanctioned system, accessible via a smartphone application known as CBP One, which was operational under the Biden administration. However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security stated that there is no record of the family using this application.

• Father’s Status: Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos has been described by ICE as an “illegal alien” and has allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement.
• Legal Status: Both Liam and his father remain protected from deportation due to their pending immigration claims.

ICE’s Stance on the Incident

Marcos Charles, the head of ICE’s deportation branch, clarified during a press conference that the agency’s operation specifically targeted Liam’s father and not the child. Charles claimed that Liam was left alone in a vehicle during the incident when his father attempted to flee. ICE officials assert that they took measures to care for Liam while apprehending his father.

Concerns Over Treatment

Following their detention, both Liam and his father were transferred to the Dilley detention center in Texas, a facility designed for families with children. While ICE officials assert that the center provides quality care and services, many advocates express serious concerns about the treatment of minors in custody.

• Allegations Against Dilley Facility: Critics, such as attorney Neha Desai from the National Center for Youth Law, have highlighted instances of declining health for minors, poor medical care, and other issues.
• Community Support: Local community members intervened during the incident, advising Liam’s mother against emerging from their home to confront ICE agents.

Conclusion

The ongoing detention of Liam and Adrian Conejo Ramos raises significant questions about immigration policy and the treatment of vulnerable populations. As the family awaits the resolution of their immigration case, their plight continues to attract national attention and invokes a broader discussion about the impact of current immigration enforcement practices.