A federal judge issued a ruling on Saturday ordering the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from a Texas detention center by Tuesday. The pair was detained by immigration officers in Minnesota, and the judge criticized the Trump administration’s enforcement tactics. The judge highlighted the case as a result of the government’s pursuit of deportation quotas, even if it means traumatizing children.
The boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and later taken to a facility in Dilley, Texas. The father, originally from Ecuador, is said to have entered the U.S. illegally in 2024 but has a pending asylum claim allowing him to stay in the country.
The detention of the boy and his father sparked outrage, with allegations that federal immigration officers in Minnesota used the boy as “bait.” The government disputed this claim, stating that the father fled on foot, leaving the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway.
In his ruling, Judge Fred Biery referenced historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and criticized the government’s actions as reminiscent of grievances outlined by Thomas Jefferson against King George. The judge also included references to biblical verses emphasizing the treatment of children.
The judge’s order follows a series of recent criticisms against ICE, with a Minnesota judge describing the agency as repeatedly violating court orders related to enforcement. The family’s legal representation expressed relief at the imminent reunion and emphasized the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
The detention center where the family was held has faced complaints of poor conditions, including inadequate medical care and prolonged detention of children beyond recommended limits. Protests and congressional visits have highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement practices.