Judge Orders Release of Liam Ramos and Father from Immigration Detention

A federal judge has mandated the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejos Ramos and his father from immigration detention in Texas. The directive was issued following their detention at the South Texas Family Residential Center for over a week.

Background on Detention

Liam and his father were apprehended by immigration agents in Minneapolis and transferred 1,300 miles to a family detention facility. The judge’s order specifies that they be released “as soon as practicable,” with a deadline set for Tuesday as their immigration case proceeds.

Impact of Liam’s Detention

The incident, highlighted by a troubling photograph of an agent holding Liam’s Spider-Man backpack, sparked public outrage. This scenario has sparked questions about the treatment of children when their parents are taken by immigration authorities. Liam is the fourth child from his school district taken by ICE within a two-week span.

• Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro expressed concerns about Liam’s emotional well-being, noting he seemed “very depressed.”
• Family members have accused ICE of using Liam as “bait” to apprehend his parents.
• The child’s mother, who is pregnant, reportedly feared for her safety and did not leave the house when agents arrived.

Different Accounts of the Incident

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with Liam’s father warning against opening the door as agents attempted to detain him. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Liam’s father attempted to flee, leaving Liam behind.

• DHS claims Liam’s mother refused custody during multiple attempts by agents.
• ICE has emphasized they did not use Liam as bait and were focused on family reunification.

Family’s Immigration Status

Liam’s family originally entered the U.S. legally and was seeking asylum due to economic instability in Ecuador. Their attorney asserts that there are no criminal records associated with Liam’s father in either the U.S. or Ecuador.

As the situation unfolds, it continues to raise concerns about immigration practices and the welfare of children caught in such circumstances.