A Congressman's Letter to a 5-Year-Old: After ICE Detention, a Boy's Story Resonates
By News Desk
The image of a five-year-old boy in a blue bunny hat, detained by immigration agents, sparked national outrage last month. Now, following a federal judge's order for their release, the story of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father has taken a poignant turn, marked by a handwritten letter from a U.S. lawmaker.
Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro, who flew with Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, back to their home in Minnesota on February 1, gave the boy a letter to read when he is older. In it, Castro wrote that Liam "has moved the world" and urged him not to let anyone say America is not his home.
"I hope you will judge America not by your days at Dilley but by the millions of Americans whose hearts you touched," Castro wrote, referencing the family detention center in Texas where they were held for nearly two weeks.
The detention began on January 20 in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated it was conducting a "targeted operation" to detain Conejo Arias, whom they alleged entered the country illegally in December 2024. The family and their legal team strongly contest this, asserting both Liam and his father entered legally and have pending asylum claims.
Public outcry intensified after reports indicated the pair were stopped while returning home from preschool. A photograph of Liam standing by a vehicle, an adult's hand on his Spider-Man backpack, circulated widely.
The Department of Homeland Security provided a conflicting account, alleging the child's mother initially refused to take him and that the father had fled. Both parents have vehemently denied these claims. "I love my son too much. I would never abandon him," Conejo Arias told ABC News.
In a sharply worded opinion ordering their release on January 31, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery criticized the government's actions, stating the case originated from "the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children."
Castro's letter and his personal involvement have refocused attention on the human impact of immigration policy, particularly on families and children. "America became the most powerful, prosperous nation on Earth because of immigrants not in spite of them," he wrote to Liam.
Voices from the Public
Maria Chen, Social Worker from Minneapolis: "This case is a stark reminder of the trauma our enforcement systems can inflict on children. That letter from Rep. Castro is beautiful, but real policy change is what Liam and thousands of kids like him truly need. Compassion must be backed by law."
David P. Miller, Retired Teacher from San Antonio: "The Congressman's gesture is commendable. It shows the power of individual kindness in a large, often impersonal system. Liam's story touched many, and it's important for him to know that."
Rebecca Vance, Legal Analyst (Blog: The Due Process Watch): "This is pure political theater. While no one wants to see a child detained, ICE followed procedure on a targeted enforcement action. The judge's inflammatory language and the congressman's grandstanding ignore the rule of law. What about the millions who wait in line legally?"
Anita Garcia, Immigrant Rights Advocate: "Liam's face is the face of a failed policy. Judge Biery got it right—this is about meeting quotas, not safety. Castro's letter is a powerful symbol, but we need to channel this outrage into abolishing family detention entirely. The emotional scarring is permanent."
The full text of Rep. Castro's letter is reproduced below:
Liam — Welcome home! I know the past two weeks have been very rough to say the least. No child should have to go through what you endured. But, as you get older and you understand these words and this time, I hope you will judge America not by your days at Dilley but by the millions of Americans whose hearts you touched. Years ago Robert F. Kennedy spoke of those in history who moved the world. Even as a young boy you have moved the world.
Your family, school, and many strangers said prayers for you and offered whatever they could do to see you back home. Don't let anyone tell you this isn't your home. America became the most powerful, prosperous nation on Earth because of immigrants not in spite of them.
May God bless you, always.
Sincerely, Joaquin