The case of a five-year-old boy detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, who was allegedly used as "bait" to lure his family, has concluded with his release after a journey of 1,300 miles to a detention centre. Liam Conejo Ramos, captured in distressing images wearing his school backpack and bunny hat, has returned home with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, following a federal court order.
Outrage Over ICE Tactics Involving Young Child
Pictures of Liam being taken into custody by masked ICE agents outside his home in Minneapolis ignited widespread condemnation across the United States and beyond. The incident occurred as Liam returned from preschool with his father, Adrian, in their snowy suburban driveway. According to neighbours and school officials, immigration officers reportedly used the young boy as "bait," instructing him to knock on the front door so his mother would open it, a claim that has fuelled public anger over the agency's methods.
Detention and Release After More Than a Week
Liam and his father were transported 1,300 miles to the Dilley detention centre in Texas, a facility designed for detaining families. They spent over a week there before their release was secured. Lawyer and congressman for Texas's 20th district, Joaquin Castro, announced the pair's return to Minneapolis, stating he escorted them back after picking them up from the detention centre. In a post on X, Castro expressed relief, saying, "Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack," and thanked those who advocated for their freedom.
Federal Judge Criticises Government Policy
The release came after US District Judge Fred Biery issued an order requiring Liam and his father to be released "as soon as practicable," no later than Tuesday, as their immigration case continues. In his ruling, Judge Biery strongly criticised ICE and the Trump administration's migration policy, referencing the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson's grievances against authoritarian rule. He condemned the government's pursuit of deportation quotas, stating it has led to traumatising children, and lamented a "perfidious lust for unbridled power" that disregards human decency.
Controversy and Denials Surrounding the Case
The Department of Homeland Security has vehemently denied allegations that Liam was used as bait, dismissing the narrative as an "abject lie." Officers claimed that Mr Arias fled on foot, leaving the boy in a running vehicle in the driveway. However, this account contrasts with testimonies from neighbours and school officials, who described the incident as part of a pattern of heavy-handed immigration raids in the area. In the past two weeks alone, students in Liam's school district have been detained in four separate raids, highlighting ongoing tensions in Minneapolis.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
Neighbour Vanessa Mullenix expressed horror at the time of the arrest, stating, "We have entered a new layer of hell, now that ICE is targeting children, and using kids as pawns to get their families out of their homes. It's absolutely heartbreaking." Liam's case has sparked broader debates about immigration enforcement tactics, family separation, and the treatment of minors in the US system. As the family reunites, advocates continue to call for reforms to prevent similar incidents, emphasising the need for humane policies that protect vulnerable children and families.
