A Minnesota preschooler is safe for now after a federal judge ruled he can’t be deported immediately. The child, Liam Conejo Ramos, just 5 years old, was taken from his family’s home last week. Federal agents arrested his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, who is from Ecuador and seeking asylum in the US.
Liam and his dad were apprehended in suburban Minneapolis, where his father wanted him to stay with him. However, the Department of Homeland Security categorized Adrian as an “illegal alien.” Yet, an attorney for the family argues that Adrian did everything right by attending all court hearings related to his asylum case.
After their arrest, Liam and his father were moved to the South Texas Family Residential Center, a detention facility for families. Adrian has now filed a lawsuit against key federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
In a recent court ruling, a judge ordered that both Liam and his father cannot be removed or transferred from the area until the legal proceedings are resolved. This means they will remain in Texas until further notice.
Liam was a “PreK 4” student at Valley View Elementary School in Minnesota. Tragically, he is not alone; at least three other children from his school district have also been taken by ICE in recent weeks.
This continuing situation raises broader questions. According to a recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union, a significant percentage of families facing deportation have legal avenues to explore, but they often feel trapped or unequipped to navigate the complicated legal landscape. Around 60% of those facing deportation claims are classified as “not likely to win,” which further complicates their efforts.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions. Many people are expressing solidarity with families facing similar situations, sharing posts and personal stories using hashtags like #FamiliesBelongTogether.
As this story develops, it highlights the ongoing debates around immigration policies in the U.S., particularly how they affect vulnerable families and children. For further information on immigration regulations and family welfare, you can check the American Immigration Council.
