Justice Prevails: 5-Year-Old and Father Released from ICE Detention

Mon Feb 02 2026 14:10:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge has ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas, following their detainment in Minnesota. The case sparked nationwide outrage and raised questions about immigration enforcement practices.

Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old boy, and his father have been released from ICE custody in Texas after a judge ordered their return to Minnesota. The pair was detained by federal immigration authorities in January, prompting public outcry and political action. Lawmakers, including U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro, helped facilitate their return. The incident highlights broader concerns regarding the treatment of immigrant families in the U.S. and has garnered significant media attention, emphasizing the need for humane immigration policies.

In a major victory for immigrant rights advocates, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from an ICE detention facility in Texas, following a federal judge's ruling. According to Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro, who personally escorted them back after their release on Sunday, both are now safely back in Minnesota.

They had been detained by immigration officers on January 20 while in a suburb of Minneapolis and transferred to a facility in Dilley, Texas. This incident arose amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions over immigration enforcement practices under the current administration.

The case sparked outrage across the nation as images of young Liam, wearing a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack while surrounded by immigration officers, circulated widely on social media. Many criticized the use of a child in such a situation, leading to accusations that federal officers used the boy as 'bait' to gain entry into their home—a claim that the Department of Homeland Security later denied.

Representative Castro took to social media to express solidarity with the family, stating in a heartfelt letter to Liam that he has 'moved the world' and that many were praying for his safe return. Castro emphasized that America’s strength lies in its immigrant heritage and noted in his letter, 'Don’t let anyone tell you this isn’t your home.'

In welcoming back Liam, Senator Amy Klobuchar also voiced her concern over immigration policies, stating that children should be in school and with their families, not held in detention. She urged for an immediate reassessment of ICE practices in such cases.

This incident not only serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration reform but also highlights the urgent need for humane policies that prioritize family unity.