Viral image of Liam Conejo Ramos taken by ICE
Judge releases 5-year-old Liam and father from ICE detention
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A federal judge in Texas, Fred Biery, has issued a final order for the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from a Texas detention center by Tuesday.
The pair had been held in the Columbia Heights area of Minnesota as part of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) campaign known as Operation Metro Surge.
Judge criticizes Trump administration’s deportation practices
Judge Biery sharply criticized the Trump administration’s policies, calling the detention a reckless pursuit and poorly executed daily deportation quota that leaves lasting psychological effects on children.
Read more: US Judge blocks deportation of 5-year-old after ICE arrest
The boy, a Valley View kindergarten student, was detained with his Ecuadorian father on Jan. 20 while returning from school, prompting widespread outrage after images circulated showing Liam wearing a blue rabbit hat surrounded by federal agents. Critics accused authorities of using children as “bait” to target others.
Rights of asylum seekers highlighted
The court noted that Liam and his father have an active asylum claim, and the judge previously issued an order preventing their deportation to protect their legal rights.
Reports indicate Liam was one of four children detained in the area, sparking protests outside Texas detention centers and condemnation from human rights organizations.
Legal procedure over administrative quotas
The ruling represents a legal setback for the Metro Surge deportation campaign. Judge Biery emphasized that due process must take precedence over administrative targets or political pressure.
Local officials in Minnesota said the decision provides hope for families under immigration enforcement pressure, underlining that protecting children should remain a top priority.
