The Story of Liam Conejo Ramos: A Child at the Center of America's Immigration Debate

A Sudden and Disturbing Detention

In January 2026, the name Liam Conejo Ramos became known across the United States after a shocking immigration enforcement action in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Liam, a five‑year‑old preschooler originally from Ecuador, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 20 while returning home from school with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias. Images and videos shared widely on social media showed the small boy wearing a blue bunny hat and a Spider‑Man backpack, standing near ICE agents — a sight that sparked immediate outrage and concern among many Americans. School officials and family representatives described the encounter as traumatic, with one public school superintendent alleging that agents used the child as “bait” to draw others out of the home. This claim was disputed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which maintained that Liam was not the target of the operation and that ICE officers acted appropriately when taking custody of the family.

The images of Liam surrounded by federal agents circulated Liam Conejo Ramos rapidly, symbolizing for some critics what they view as aggressive and indiscriminate immigration enforcement policies under the current administration. Supporters of the government’s approach argued that law enforcement was focused on detaining adults with alleged immigration violations and did not intend to harm children. Regardless of perspective, the emotional impact of seeing a young child involved in such an incident drew intense public scrutiny and fueled debates about the treatment of immigrant families at the U.S. border and within domestic enforcement operations.

Legal Challenges and Court Intervention

Following their detention, Liam and his father were transferred to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, a facility specifically designated for holding immigrant families. Their lawyers immediately challenged the legality of the detention, emphasizing that both father and son had an active asylum claim pending — meaning they were legally seeking protection under U.S. immigration law and had not been ordered removed. Their case quickly drew the attention of civil rights advocates and lawmakers who argued that detaining a five‑year‑old under these circumstances was unjust and potentially unconstitutional.

On January 27, a federal judge temporarily blocked any attempt to deport or transfer Liam and his father out of the judicial district while their legal proceedings continued. The judge’s ruling underscored the principle that even individuals without proper documentation are entitled to due process and cannot be summarily removed without a full hearing. Legal experts noted that the order affirmed constitutional protections that apply regardless of age or immigration status, signaling a check on executive authority in immigration enforcement.

A few days later, on January 31, the same judge took further action by ordering that Liam and his father be released from the Texas detention center. The court’s decision specified that they must be freed “as soon as practicable,” reflecting concern that prolonged confinement of a young child could inflict significant emotional harm. This release order marked a turning point in their case and was celebrated by advocates for immigrant families who had called for compassion and fairness in enforcement practices.

Return Home and Continued Challenges

Following the judge’s ruling, Liam and his father were flown back to Minneapolis, where family members and supporters greeted them with relief and joy. Representative Joaquin Castro and Representative Ilhan Omar publicly welcomed the pair, praising the court’s decision and calling attention to the broader issue of children held in immigration detention. Photos and statements shared on social media depicted Liam smiling and relieved to be back in familiar surroundings, surrounded by loved ones who had feared for his well‑being during the ordeal.

Despite their release, the legal status of the Ramos family remains unresolved. DHS has indicated that it will continue to seek deportation of Liam and his father through regular removal proceedings, even though the family’s asylum claims remain pending. This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, where families may navigate lengthy and uncertain processes while facing scrutiny from enforcement agencies. Critics argue that the case reveals systemic issues in how immigration policy is implemented, especially concerning minors and family detention.

Misinformation and Public Perception

The case of Liam Conejo Ramos also became a focal point for misinformation online. During the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show, many social media users incorrectly claimed that Liam was the young boy featured in a memorable moment with artist Bad Bunny. In reality, the child in the performance was a five‑year‑old actor named Lincoln Fox, not Liam. Fact‑checking organizations and news outlets debunked the rumor, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before spreading it online.

Despite the confusion, the viral moment underscored how deeply the story of Liam resonated with the public, illustrating how emotionally powerful narratives can become entwined with cultural events even when they are unrelated.