Introduction
A federal judge has temporarily barred the removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father, who were detained last week in Minnesota and are now held in a Texas immigration center. The order follows a petition filed by the family’s attorney and widespread public outcry over the child’s detention.
At a Glance
- Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old, and his father are held in Dilley, Texas.
- Judge Fred Biery issued a hold on removal while the case proceeds.
- The family’s petition was filed December 17, 2024.
- Why it matters: The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and the treatment of children in detention.
Court Order Halts Removal
U.S. Judge Fred Biery ruled on Monday that any removal or transfer of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, is on hold while the court case continues. The order was prompted by a petition filed by the family’s attorney, Jennifer Scarborough, on December 17, 2024. The case is assigned to the immigration court inside the Dilley detention center.
Family Detained in Texas
The boy and his father were taken into custody last week outside their home in Minnesota. Neighbors and school officials say federal immigration officers used the preschooler as “bait” by telling him to knock on the door so that his mother would answer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called that description an “abject lie,” stating that the father fled on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway.
The family is currently held at the Dilley Detention Center, near San Antonio, Texas. Advocates describe the conditions inside the center as constant illness and insufficient medical access.
Public Response and Advocacy
A photo of the boy wearing a beanie and a Spiderman backpack has circulated widely on social media, sparking strong reactions. “He has become emblematic of the monstrosity of the ICE system and the detention system,” U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said in a Facebook video. He announced that he and fellow Texas Democrat, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, would visit the father and son on Wednesday at the Dilley Detention Center.
Castro added that it was “inhumane to be keeping young kids like that in that place.” The visit was part of a broader protest movement, with dozens of immigrant families demonstrating behind the fences of the detention facility.
Background and Legal Context
Federal officials have said the father was in the U.S. illegally, without offering details. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said the man entered the country in December 2024. The family’s attorney claims he had a pending asylum claim allowing him to stay in the country.
An online court summary shows the case was filed on December 17, 2024, and is assigned to the immigration court inside the Dilley detention center. The child’s immigration status may be a critical factor; it is unclear if the 5-year-old was legally in the United States. If he wasn’t, he may be subject to deportation with one or both parents.
Next Steps
The temporary hold means the family can remain in the detention center while the court case proceeds. DHS has not responded to the judge’s order, and the family’s attorney has not yet provided a statement. The case will likely continue to draw public attention as it moves through the immigration court system.
Key Takeaways
- A federal judge has blocked the removal of a 5-year-old boy and his father.
- The family’s petition was filed December 17, 2024.
- Public advocacy and protests have highlighted concerns about the treatment of children in detention.
- The case remains unresolved, with further court proceedings expected.
Categories
- Political News
- World News
