MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A father, Adrian Conejo Arias, is speaking out against claims that he abandoned his 5-year-old son, Liam, during an immigration investigation. Arias, originally from Ecuador, insists he loves his son and would never leave him behind. The government stated he fled on foot when he was approached by immigration officers, leaving the boy in a vehicle. However, Arias claims that his son fell ill while in custody and was not given medicine.
Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at Homeland Security, maintained that Arias chose to take his child to a detention center, saying, “The facts in this case have NOT changed.” Yet, she did not address the father’s concern about his son’s medical care.
Ariase asserts that he was in the U.S. legally, awaiting a court hearing for asylum. Recently, a federal judge ordered their release, allowing the pair to return to Minnesota.
Their story unfolded during a time of heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump. Following the tragic shooting of two citizens by federal officers, the president directed officials to intensify crackdowns. In response, officials announced body cameras for all DHS officers in Minneapolis, aiming for transparency.
After Liam’s return, his school faced bomb threats, leading to a class cancellation. Even before this incident, anxiety loomed over the district, with many parents of students at Valley View Elementary detained. Principal Jason Kuhlman observed a significant drop in attendance, with about 200 students absent on one occasion, far more than the usual 20-30. The school has since started online classes to accommodate fearful families.
Images of Liam in a blue bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack drew public outrage. Despite being accused of crossing the border illegally in December 2024, Arias’s lawyer claims he has a pending asylum application, which typically allows families to remain in the U.S. pending their cases.
Liam’s return has sparked hope for other families facing similar situations. Luis Zuna, whose daughter Elizabeth was detained while walking to the school bus, expressed his anguish. Zuna has been sending money to help support his daughter and her mother while they have been separated. After hearing of Liam’s safe return, Zuna felt a glimmer of hope for his own family.
Meanwhile, Congress has been raising concerns about inhumane conditions in detention centers. Representative Kelly Morrison, also a physician, shared that detainees face harsh environments, with minimal food and medical care. She described conditions such as cold temperatures and lack of proper bedding. Morrison is among a group of lawmakers fighting for better access to immigration facilities after being denied entry earlier.
Recently, the courts intervened to ensure lawmakers can access these facilities, highlighting the ongoing struggle over immigration policy and human rights.
These events underline the emotional toll on families caught in the immigration system and the larger national conversation about policy and treatment. As the situation evolves, many share the hope that compassion and reform will lead to better outcomes for families like Liam’s.
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