Federal Judge Orders Release of Detained 5-Year-Old Boy and His Father After Harsh Criticism of Trump Administration's Immigration Crackdown.
A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from detention by Tuesday, following criticism of the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. The order came after U.S. District Judge Fred Biery harshly criticized the government's pursuit of daily deportation quotas, even if it requires traumatizing children.
The boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained along with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, after arriving home from preschool in a Minneapolis suburb on January 20. However, their detention has sparked outrage, particularly after images surfaced of the boy being surrounded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The Department of Homeland Security has denied that the government used the child as "bait" to lure his mother into coming out.
The family's lawyer has stated that Arias has a pending asylum claim that allows him to remain in the country, while the Department of Justice claims he entered the US illegally from Ecuador last December. The detention has led to protests and a visit by two Texas Democratic members of Congress, including Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett.
Judge Biery's ruling also criticized the government for ignoring an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence, likening the current approach to enforcement to the grievances listed against England's King George in the 18th century. The judge included a photo of Liam and references to two Bible verses in his order, highlighting the emotional toll of prolonged detention on children.
The family's lawyer has stated that they are working to ensure a safe and timely reunion, welcoming the court's decision as a step towards healing after a traumatic ordeal. As conditions at the Texas family detention center have been reported to be poor, with reports of worms in food, fighting for clean water, and inadequate medical care, this ruling comes as a relief to families affected by immigration enforcement.
A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from detention by Tuesday, following criticism of the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. The order came after U.S. District Judge Fred Biery harshly criticized the government's pursuit of daily deportation quotas, even if it requires traumatizing children.
The boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained along with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, after arriving home from preschool in a Minneapolis suburb on January 20. However, their detention has sparked outrage, particularly after images surfaced of the boy being surrounded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The Department of Homeland Security has denied that the government used the child as "bait" to lure his mother into coming out.
The family's lawyer has stated that Arias has a pending asylum claim that allows him to remain in the country, while the Department of Justice claims he entered the US illegally from Ecuador last December. The detention has led to protests and a visit by two Texas Democratic members of Congress, including Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett.
Judge Biery's ruling also criticized the government for ignoring an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence, likening the current approach to enforcement to the grievances listed against England's King George in the 18th century. The judge included a photo of Liam and references to two Bible verses in his order, highlighting the emotional toll of prolonged detention on children.
The family's lawyer has stated that they are working to ensure a safe and timely reunion, welcoming the court's decision as a step towards healing after a traumatic ordeal. As conditions at the Texas family detention center have been reported to be poor, with reports of worms in food, fighting for clean water, and inadequate medical care, this ruling comes as a relief to families affected by immigration enforcement.
!!! finally some good news!! 
This is like, the most amazing thing that's happened in ages! 
A 5-year-old boy and his dad are getting out of detention! 
I mean, can you even imagine being in their shoes? 
The way they were treated by ICE is just, like, totally unacceptable 
This ruling is literally the definition of kindness 
. And omg, have you seen those pics of Liam being surrounded by ICE officers? 
That's like, child abuse right there! 
The fact that his lawyer is working to get him reunited with his mom ASAP is just... *cries happy tears* 
I'm so glad this ruling came along at the right time. Like, those families in detention centers are going through the WORST 
. Thanks for speaking out against it, Reps. Castro and Crockett! 
. It's outrageous that a 5-year-old boy has been detained along with his dad, and I can only imagine how scared the little guy must be. The government's approach to immigration enforcement needs some serious rethinking, especially when it comes to families and children 
.
. I hope the government takes Judge Biery's words to heart and starts treating people with more compassion and dignity 
.
and let's not forget the conditions at those detention centers are straight outta horror movie what r we doin 2 u guys? 
. The fact that they're being held for something that might be a misunderstanding is just heartbreaking 
. I just hope Liam and his dad can find some peace and get back to their normal lives soon