Judge Orders Release of Father and Son Detained During ICE Raid in Minnesota
A federal judge has mandated the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who were apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. Their detention has sparked significant public outcry and raised questions about immigration enforcement practices in the U.S.
Why It Matters
The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies, particularly the impact on families and children. As federal crackdowns on undocumented immigrants intensify, incidents like this fuel public protests and highlight broader concerns about how these policies affect vulnerable populations, including young children.
Key Developments
- A U.S. District Judge ordered the release of Liam and his father, specifying that they must be freed by Tuesday.
- The pair were taken into custody by ICE on January 20, shortly after Liam returned from preschool.
- The government’s claim is that Conejo Arias illegally entered the U.S. from Ecuador in December 2024; however, family representatives assert he has a pending asylum claim.
- Protesters and local officials allege that ICE used Liam as "bait" to apprehend his father.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied these allegations, stating that for the child’s safety, an ICE officer remained with him during the arrest.
Full Report
Court Ruling and Reactions
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery criticized the immigration tactics employed under the Trump administration. He remarked that the situation arose from “ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas,” particularly at the cost of traumatizing children.
Allegations of Misconduct
Local school officials and neighbors have reportedly stated that ICE agents encouraged Liam to knock on the door of his home, which led to his mother’s arrival and Conejo Arias’s subsequent arrest. According to longstanding guidelines, ICE agents cannot enter homes without a signed warrant.
Statements from Officials
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin firmly stated that claims of ICE using the boy as bait were “an abject lie.” She added that the decision to take the father and son into custody was made with considerations for both their safety and welfare.
Local Impact and Protests
Protests against immigration enforcement have been escalating in Minneapolis, particularly since the arrival of 2,000 additional ICE agents this year. Local unrest has been exacerbated by recent incidents, including shootings involving federal officers. A demonstration in support of the Conejo family was held outside the detention center earlier this week, where Texas Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett visited the pair and reported concerns about Liam’s well-being.
Context & Previous Events
On January 20, four students in the Minneapolis area were stopped during the same incident involving ICE, according to Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools. The detainment of these minors, alongside Liam, has further fueled public protests against the agency’s actions. The controversy surrounding ICE has continued to grow, particularly in light of recent fatal incidents involving federal officers.
