A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from a Texas detention center by Tuesday. The duo was detained by immigration officers in Minnesota, and the judge’s ruling criticized the Trump administration’s enforcement tactics. The boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, gained attention in photos wearing a bunny hat and Spiderman backpack surrounded by ICE officers.
Judge Fred Biery, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, rebuked the government’s pursuit of deportation quotas that traumatize children. The father, Adrian Conejo Arias from Ecuador, was detained in Columbia Heights and taken to a facility in Dilley, Texas. Allegations surfaced that ICE officers used the boy as “bait,” but the Department of Homeland Security denied these claims.
Arias, who entered the U.S. illegally in December 2024, has a pending asylum claim. The detention sparked protests and garnered the attention of Democratic lawmakers. Judge Biery referenced historical documents and biblical quotes in his ruling, criticizing the administration’s actions.
Another judge labeled ICE as a violator of court orders. White House policy chief Stephen Miller’s target of 3,000 daily immigration arrests was highlighted as a concerning “quota.” The law firm representing the family is focused on reuniting them safely.
Photos from their detention and protests showed the community’s support for their release. Reports of poor conditions at the detention center, including extended child detention and lack of adequate care, have raised concerns. The family’s lawyer expressed relief that they can now focus on being together after a traumatic experience.
