US Pursues Deportation of 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo Ramos in Trump Case

The case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos has attracted significant attention as the United States continues its efforts to deport him and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias. Both were detained in Minnesota as they returned home from preschool on January 20, 2026.

Background on Liam Conejo Ramos

After their arrest, the family was taken from Minnesota to Dilley, Texas. They remained in an immigration processing center while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pursued their removal. On January 27, a significant ruling by Judge Fred Biery led to their release as they challenged the expulsion. He emphasized the need for due process.

Controversy Surrounding the Arrest

This case highlights broader issues within the Trump administration’s immigration policy. Advocates argue that the administration’s actions against the family seem retaliatory. Liam’s lawyer, Danielle Molliver, expressed concern over repeated obstacles placed in their path. She indicated the DHS’s recent actions as unwarranted and likely retaliatory.

DHS’s Position

• DHS maintains that there is nothing retaliatory about their actions.
• Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the removal proceedings are standard protocol.
• The agency has denied claims of accelerated deportation efforts.

Operation Metro Surge

Since December, the Trump administration has conducted an extensive immigration operation in Minnesota called Operation Metro Surge, which involved deploying up to 3,000 agents. This increased presence has sparked criticism due to several violent incidents involving immigration enforcement, including the deaths of U.S. citizens in January.

Community Response

The community backlash is palpable. Two citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by immigration agents within weeks of each other. Such incidents have raised concerns about the tactics used during operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Conclusion

Liam Conejo Ramos’s case remains a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States. As the DHS continues its pursuit of deportation, advocates are urging for a reevaluation of its strategies and the treatment of individuals seeking asylum.