Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, have been released from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Texas and returned to their home in a Minneapolis suburb. A federal judge ordered their release on Saturday, February 1, 2026, after they were detained by ICE agents on January 20, 2026.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The pair was detained in Minnesota and transferred to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered their release, citing concerns over the legality of their detention and the impact on the child's well-being. Liam reportedly fell ill while in detention, raising further concerns about their treatment.
Deeper Dive and Context
Background of the Detention
Liam and his father were detained after returning home from preschool in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Dashcam footage showed federal agents with guns drawn during the arrest, sparking public outrage. The detention occurred amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis.
Legal and Political Reactions
Judge Biery criticized ICE's enforcement practices, stating that agents were pursuing deportation quotas even if it required traumatizing children. He described the actions as "ill-conceived and incompetent." Meanwhile, lawmakers and community leaders have raised questions about the legality of the detention and the treatment of asylum seekers.
Public and Media Response
The case has drawn national attention, with advocates highlighting the emotional and physical toll on the child. The photograph of Liam in his bunny hat and Spiderman backpack during the arrest became a focal point of the controversy. The family's release was met with relief, though concerns about broader immigration policies persist.
Ongoing Concerns
The incident has reignited debates over ICE's enforcement tactics and the treatment of minors in detention. Critics argue that the case exemplifies systemic issues in immigration enforcement, while supporters of stricter policies emphasize the need for legal compliance.
Next Steps
The family's return home marks a resolution to their immediate ordeal, but the broader implications for immigration policy and enforcement practices remain unresolved. Further legal and political scrutiny is expected as the case continues to draw attention.