Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos captured the nation’s attention in January 2026 when he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while returning home from preschool with his father in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Born in Ecuador, Liam and his family had an active asylum claim in the United States.
Images of Liam — in a bright blue hat and with his Spider-Man backpack — circulated widely, sparking concern and outrage over how children are affected by immigration enforcement. Advocates and community members quickly called for his release, emphasizing that a young child belongs in school and at home, not in detention.
Liam was taken to the Dilley Family Residential Center in Texas, a facility that houses immigrant families. Reports noted he became ill and distressed during his time there, highlighting the emotional toll on children separated or detained with their families.
After public outcry and legal intervention, a federal judge ordered Liam and his father released. On February 1, 2026, Liam was finally reunited with his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, returning safely to Minnesota. Lawmakers, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Ilhan Omar, welcomed them home and emphasized the importance of keeping children with their families.
Today, Liam is back in his home community, safe with his father, attending school, and resuming a normal life. His story has become a symbol of the human impact of immigration policy and the need to protect families, especially children, from harm.
