Judge blocks removal of 5-year-old detained by ICE in Minnesota

A federal judge in Texas has made a temporary decision to halt the removal of a 5-year-old boy and his father who were detained as part of the recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The young boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was taken into custody by immigration officials right after returning home from preschool, while his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, was in their driveway.

The order issued by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery on Monday states that Liam and his father cannot be removed from the Texas district while their detention is being challenged in a habeas case. The judge specifically mentioned, “Respondents SHALL NOT TRANSFER Petitioners Adrian Conejo Arias and L.C.R., a minor child, outside of this judicial district during the pendency of this litigation and until further Order of this Court.”

At the time of their detention, both the father and son had a pending asylum case, but there was no deportation order instructing their removal from the United States. The family’s attorney, Marc Prokosch, emphasized that Liam and his dad entered the country through a port of entry to seek asylum legally.

In response to the situation, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security clarified that ICE did not target a child, asserting that the child had been abandoned by his father. The DHS statement explained that during the arrest of Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, the father fled on foot, leaving his child behind. ICE officers ensured the child’s safety while detaining the father.

The DHS further stated that parents are given the choice to be removed with their children or have their children placed with a designated safe person. This protocol aligns with previous administrations’ immigration enforcement practices.

However, the account provided by DHS contradicts the version of events described by the family’s attorney and school officials. According to school officials, another adult present at the home requested to take care of the child but was denied by the agents.

The case of Liam and his father highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement policies. As the legal battle continues, the temporary block on their removal provides a glimmer of hope for the family as they navigate through this challenging situation.