ICE Frees 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo Ramos, Attorney Confirms
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos, are now free from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Their release followed a court order from U.S. District Judge Fred Biery.
Liam and Adrian’s Detention Background
They were detained earlier this month in Minnesota and held at the Dilley ICE detention center in Texas. This facility primarily houses immigrant families with minor children who are accused of violating immigration laws.
Court Order and Release
On Saturday, Judge Biery ordered their release “as soon as practicable.” Following this order, on Sunday, Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from Texas, personally transported the pair back to Minnesota.
Details of Their Immigration Case
- The family hails from Ecuador.
- They entered the U.S. in 2024 using a now-discontinued Biden-era system.
- This system allowed asylum-seekers to schedule entry appointments via a phone app called CBP One.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that they have no record of the family using this app. ICE has labeled Liam’s father an “illegal alien,” alleging he attempted to evade arrest when officers sought to detain him on January 20.
Controversial Allegations
DHS has claimed that immigration officials did not target Liam during their operations. However, they have faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Reports suggest that Liam’s mother was hesitant to answer the door when immigration officers came to their residence, fearing she might be taken into custody herself.
Response from the Department of Homeland Security
DHS maintained its stance in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The agency insists it acts within the bounds of law, underscoring the rule of law in immigration matters.
The events surrounding Liam and his father’s detention illustrate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the ongoing debate over enforcement policies.