A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from a Texas detention center by Tuesday, following their detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery—a Clinton appointee—harshly criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies and suggested that the government's actions amounted to the traumatic mistreatment of children in the name of meeting deportation quotas.
Liam and Adrian were detained on January 20, 2026, in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and subsequently transported to a facility in Dilley, Texas. This incident ignited public outrage, especially after images surfaced showing Liam in a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by ICE officers. Neighbors and school officials alleged that federal agents used the young boy as bait by encouraging him to knock on the door of their home, which led to further scrutiny and criticism of the agency's tactics. The Department of Homeland Security refuted these claims, labeling them as a false narrative.
The government's stance is that Adrian entered the United States illegally from Ecuador in December 2024. However, the family's lawyer asserts that Adrian has a pending asylum claim that entitles him to remain in the country. The distressing circumstances surrounding their detention prompted protests at the detention center in Texas, which houses approximately 1,100 detainees, as well as visits from two Texas Democratic Congress members—Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett—who expressed concern over the boy’s well-being.
In his ruling, Judge Biery referenced historical grievances cited in the Declaration of Independence, insinuating that the current immigration policies reflect a troubling disregard for American values. He added a poignant sentiment by quoting the Bible, emphasizing the need to protect children. Moreover, other federal judges have shown disapproval of ICE's conduct, with one judge in Minnesota labeling the agency a "serial violator" of court orders.
Stephen Miller, a White House chief of staff for policy, indicated a target of 3,000 immigration arrests per day, which Judge Biery appeared to criticize as a quota system that fuels aggressive enforcement tactics. At the same time, spokespersons for the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security did not provide immediate responses to inquiries about the case.
The Law Firm of Jennifer Scarborough, representing Liam and his family, expressed relief at the ruling, indicating their focus will now shift to reuniting the family and helping them recover from this traumatic experience. Reports have surfaced revealing poor living conditions within the detention facility, including complaints of inadequate medical care, contaminated food, and inadequate access to clean water. These concerns have underscored the ongoing debate surrounding immigration detention practices in the United States.
During the congressional visit, it was reported that Liam often appeared fatigued and struggled to eat properly, highlighting the negative impact of detention on young children. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of these immigration policies will likely remain at the forefront of national discussions regarding human rights and the treatment of immigrant families.
