A five-year-old boy was taken into federal custody alongside his father during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in suburban Minneapolis, becoming the fourth child from his school district detained by ICE within two weeks.
The Detention Operation
Liam Conejo Ramos, wearing a plaid coat and blue knit hat, was escorted by federal agents from his family’s driveway into a government vehicle. The masked agent carried the boy’s Spider-Man backpack as they loaded him into the snow-covered SUV. Father and son were then transported over 1,300 miles to a family detention facility in Texas, while Liam’s mother remained at their Minneapolis home.
The family’s attorney, Marc Prokosch, maintains they entered the United States legally in December 2024 through Texas, seeking asylum from Ecuador. The family had been attending required court hearings and following established protocols for their pending asylum claim. However, the Department of Homeland Security disputes this account, describing the father as an illegal alien who was the target of their enforcement operation.
Background and Criminal History
Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, Liam’s father, appears to have no criminal record in Minnesota or his home country of Ecuador, according to multiple sources, including the family’s lawyer and Ecuador’s Interior Ministry. Three days after the arrest, Homeland Security officials had not provided any evidence of criminal history. The father worked in masonry, painting, and various repair jobs to support his family after leaving Ecuador due to economic instability and security concerns.
Immigration Policy Impact
The case highlights tensions surrounding current immigration enforcement policies. The Trump administration has stated its focus on targeting violent criminals and the worst offenders, though officials acknowledge that other immigrants may be detained during operations. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin cited federal law requiring detention of those in the country illegally who claim asylum while awaiting removal proceedings. The boy’s uncle described the family’s fear of detention and their shock when it occurred, emphasizing their efforts to follow legal procedures.