Judge Orders ICE to Release 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo Ramos and Father
A federal judge has ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father by Tuesday, following their detention by immigration officers in Minnesota. The ruling, issued on Saturday, highlighted the controversial practices of the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement.
Background on Liam Conejo Ramos’ Detention
Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, originally from Ecuador, were detained in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, on January 20. They were subsequently transported to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Visuals of young Liam, wearing a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack, being approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, ignited public outrage over the agency’s practices.
Details of the Ruling
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, criticized the government’s deportation strategies. He emphasized that prioritizing daily deportation quotas has detrimental effects on families, particularly children. In his ruling, Biery stated, “the government’s ignorance of an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence” was evident, making a historical parallel to grievances against King George.
- Detention began: January 20
- Location of detention: Dilley, Texas
- Boy’s age: 5 years
- Father’s nationality: Ecuadorian
Claims of Misconduct
Reports from neighbors indicated that federal immigration officers used Liam as “bait” to facilitate his mother’s exposure to arrest. However, the Department of Homeland Security refuted this narrative, claiming Arias fled, leaving Liam in a running vehicle.
Legal representatives for the family have stated that Arias has a pending asylum claim, which grants him the right to remain in the U.S. This has raised questions about the legality of their detention.
Public Response and Protests
The family’s detention prompted protests at the Texas detention facility. Two Texas Congress members visited the site, expressing concern over conditions and treatment within the center. Reports from detainees cite unacceptable living conditions, including contaminated food and inadequate medical care.
During a recent visit, Congressman Joaquin Castro observed that Liam was frequently tired and not eating well. The detention facility reportedly houses around 1,100 individuals, with allegations of prolonged detentions exceeding recommended limits.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks down to the ordered release, the focus shifts to the future wellbeing of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father. Their case exemplifies ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of children in detention.
