A federal immigration judge has denied asylum to Liam Conejo Ramos, the five-year-old boy whose detention in January sparked widespread protests, along with his family. The ruling marks a significant setback in their fight to remain in the United States.
Attorney Danielle Molliver, representing the family, confirmed the decision to Minnesota Public Radio and stated that an appeal has been filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The family, including Liam's 13-year-old brother and their parents, Adrian Conejo Arias and Erika Ramos, who is pregnant, expressed deep disappointment. “They were hopeful, at the minimum, they would get their day in court and have an audience and present their testimony,” Molliver told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied allegations that it is fast-tracking the removal of Liam and his father. Acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis stated that the family received full due process and a final removal order on February 19, calling the proceedings standard and not retaliatory.
With the appeal underway, Molliver's firm has until the end of April to submit supporting documents to the BIA. The family's future in the US remains uncertain, including whether the children will be allowed to finish the school year. “It all depends on how long the BIA takes,” Molliver said. “They don’t want to go back to Ecuador.”
The case has drawn attention to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, particularly Operation Metro Surge, which led to thousands of arrests in Minnesota. Liam and his father were detained in Minneapolis after returning from preschool and were held at a facility in Dilley, Texas. The Columbia Heights public school district expressed hope for a positive outcome on appeal.
