Father and son finally back home
A five year old boy and his father who ICE detained in Minnesota have returned home after their release from a Texas detention center.
Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro confirmed the news on Sunday. He said Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias left the detention facility in Dilley, Texas, and traveled back to Minneapolis. Castro shared that Liam returned home with his hat and backpack.
Detention sparked protests and national outrage
The father and son’s detention triggered protests outside the detention center. It also drew widespread criticism across the country.
The Department of Homeland Security responded by saying ICE did not target or arrest a child. However, the case still created major concern about how immigration enforcement handles families.
Judge orders emergency release
The family’s lawyer filed an emergency request in court. US District Judge Fred Biery approved it and ordered the father and son released on Saturday.
In his ruling, Biery strongly criticized the detention. He suggested the government’s approach focused too much on deportation quotas. He also said the system should handle deportations in a more humane and orderly way.
DHS and family give different accounts
DHS said the father and son entered the United States illegally.
The family’s lawyer said they followed proper steps to seek asylum.
DHS later stated the administration would continue efforts to arrest, detain, and remove people who do not have legal permission to remain in the country.
Support from lawmakers in Minnesota
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also posted about Liam’s return. She thanked Castro for helping bring the father and son back to Minnesota and welcomed Liam home.
Measles issue reported at the detention center
After the pair left the Texas facility, DHS said it stopped all movement at the center. Officials said medical staff confirmed two detainees had active measles infections.
