Five-Year-Old Liam Ramos and Father Return Home After ICE Detention

A five-year-old boy and his father returned to Minnesota after release from a Texas immigration detention center.
The pair spent more than a week in federal custody following an ICE arrest in January.
The case drew national attention over child detention and asylum procedures.

Minneapolis, United States – February 1, 2026

Liam Ramos ICE detention ends after court-ordered release

The Liam Ramos ICE detention ended after a federal judge ordered the child and his father released from custody. Five-year-old Liam Ramos returned to Minneapolis with his father early Sunday. The pair had remained in a Texas immigration detention facility for more than a week. Their release followed mounting legal pressure and public scrutiny.

U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas confirmed their return and shared the update publicly. He said he personally assisted with their transportation back to Minnesota. Castro described the reunion as a relief after an emotionally difficult period. The lawmaker credited advocacy efforts for securing their release.

Detention began during routine activity in Minnesota

Immigration agents detained Liam Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, on January 20. The incident occurred in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, during a routine preschool pickup. ICE agents approached Conejo Arias as he returned home with his son. The arrest immediately raised concerns due to the child’s presence.

Authorities later transferred the pair to a detention center in Texas. Officials did not initially clarify why they separated the family from Minnesota. The transfer complicated access to legal counsel and family support. Advocates quickly raised alarms over the handling of the case.

Also Read – Grammy Awards 2026 Nominations Set the Music Industry Agenda

Conflicting accounts emerge over arrest circumstances

Federal officials offered one version of events surrounding the arrest. The Department of Homeland Security claimed Conejo Arias fled when agents approached him. DHS said he abandoned his child during the encounter. Officials stated the child’s mother declined to assume custody at that time.

Local officials disputed that description of events. Columbia Heights School Board Chair Mary Granlund described hearing pleas inside the residence. She said an adult offered repeatedly to take responsibility for the child. Her account contradicted claims that the child lacked immediate care options.

Legal team challenges federal assertions

Attorneys representing the family rejected DHS statements regarding the arrest. Lawyer Marc Prokosch said Conejo Arias did not abandon his child. He stated the family complied with immigration procedures during entry. The defense maintained that authorities mischaracterized the incident.

Prokosch also disputed claims that Conejo Arias entered the country illegally. He said the family entered through the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry in 2024. The family used the CBP One application to request asylum. Legal filings confirmed they followed federal intake procedures.

Court ruling accelerates release timeline

A federal judge intervened after reviewing the case record. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ruled the pair must be released no later than February 3. The ruling cited concerns over prolonged detention involving a minor. The decision forced federal agencies to act quickly.

The court order effectively ended the Liam Ramos ICE detention ahead of schedule. Officials complied with the ruling within hours of its issuance. The family boarded a flight from San Antonio to Minneapolis on Sunday. Media crews documented their departure.

First images show family leaving Texas custody

ABC News obtained exclusive footage of the father and son boarding their flight. The images marked the first public appearance since their detention. Liam appeared calm as he walked beside his father. Conejo Arias spoke briefly to reporters before departure.

He said he felt relief about returning home. Conejo Arias expressed gratitude for legal assistance and public support. He avoided extended comment due to privacy concerns. His legal team later echoed that request.

Advocates emphasize broader immigration concerns

The Liam Ramos ICE detention sparked renewed debate about child detention policies. Immigration advocates cited the case as an example of systemic failures. They argued that children should not remain in custodial settings for extended periods. Lawmakers from both parties called for review.

Representative Castro said advocacy efforts would continue beyond this case. He emphasized protecting children during immigration enforcement. Advocacy groups echoed similar sentiments following the ruling. Many called for clearer federal guidelines involving minors.

Federal agencies respond cautiously

Federal officials declined to comment further following the release. DHS confirmed compliance with the court order. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration law. Officials did not address discrepancies between federal and local accounts.

ICE also refrained from discussing internal procedures. The agency cited privacy and legal considerations. No disciplinary action has been announced. Officials indicated the matter remains under review.

What happens next for the family

The family will now focus on reunification and recovery. Legal proceedings related to their asylum request remain ongoing. Attorneys plan to pursue relief through immigration court. No future hearings have been publicly scheduled.

Prokosch said the family needs time to stabilize after detention. He emphasized the importance of privacy during the transition. The legal team will coordinate next steps quietly. Support organizations remain in contact with the family.

Case highlights national policy questions

The Liam Ramos ICE detention underscores tensions within U.S. immigration enforcement. It highlights how enforcement actions can affect children directly. Legal experts say such cases strain public confidence. Policymakers face renewed calls for reform.

The case also demonstrates the role of judicial oversight. Court intervention proved decisive in securing release. Advocacy efforts amplified public awareness nationwide. The outcome may influence future detention practices.

Situation concludes with safe return home

Liam Ramos and his father are now safely back in Minnesota. Their release followed legal action and sustained public attention. Officials complied with the federal court ruling without delay. The family’s return marks the conclusion of the detention episode.

Topic cover – Liam Ramos, liam conejo ramos, joaquin castro