Five-Year-Old Boy and Father Released from ICE Custody After Court Order

A five-year-old boy and his father were released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Sunday, following a federal court order that mandated their freedom "as soon as practicable." The release concludes a weeks-long detention that drew national attention and highlighted ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement.

U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued the directive on Saturday, ordering officials to release Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos and his son, Liam. The pair had been detained by ICE earlier this month in Minnesota. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the release on Sunday.

In a statement, McLaughlin emphasized, "The facts in this case have NOT changed: ICE did NOT target or arrest a child." She reiterated the administration's stance, adding, "We are committed to restoring the rule of law and will continue to pursue the arrest, detention, and removal of individuals who have no legal right to be in this country."

The family had been held at the Dilley ICE detention center in Texas, a facility designed for immigrant families with minor children. Representatives for the family say they are from Ecuador and entered the U.S. in 2024, attempting to use a now-defunct Biden-era phone app system for asylum seekers to schedule border processing appointments. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contends it has no record of the family using the CBP One app and has labeled the father an "illegal alien," alleging he attempted to flee from officers during his arrest on January 20.

DHS officials also claimed ICE officers tried to have Liam's mother take custody of the boy but she refused. Advocates close to the family dispute this, stating the mother feared opening the door would lead to her own arrest.

Following their release, Democratic Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro posted on social media that he personally picked up Liam and his father and escorted them back to Minnesota. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar welcomed them home in a separate post, sharing a photo with the caption, "Welcome home Liam."

Columbia Heights Public Schools, where Liam is a student, issued a statement expressing relief. "Liam's release is an important development," it read. "We hope it leads to positive outcomes for other families detained at Dilley and elsewhere. Our goal remains the release of all children from detention centers and the reunification of unjustly separated families."

Voices from the Community

David Chen, Immigration Attorney: "This case underscores the systemic flaws in our detention practices. Holding a young child in a facility, regardless of the duration, is traumatic and contrary to any standard of decency. The court's intervention was necessary."

Maria Rodriguez, Local Community Organizer: "We are overjoyed to have Liam and his father back in our community. This is a victory for human dignity, but it's just one family. Thousands remain in limbo under a broken system that criminalizes seeking safety."

Senator Mark Thompson (R-AZ): "While the child's release is appropriate, we cannot ignore the facts. The father allegedly evaded authorities and entered illegally. Our laws must be enforced without exception, or the system collapses. Emotional narratives cannot override sovereignty."

Anya Sharma, Child Psychologist: "The psychological impact of detention on a child Liam's age can be profound and long-lasting. Even short-term custody can trigger anxiety, regression, and a deep-seated fear of authority. His recovery will require significant support."