In brief
A federal judge in Minneapolis has ordered the deportation of a young boy and his father back to Ecuador, rejecting their asylum claim amid widespread concern over immigration enforcement practices that have drawn public protests. The boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, was famously photographed wearing a bunny hat and carrying a Spider-Man backpack while being detained earlier this year. Attorneys are now appealing the judge's decision, fearing for the family's future and emotional well-being after their detention experience.
A federal judge has denied the asylum claim of Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old boy detained alongside his father during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis earlier this year. The family's lawyer confirmed that they have been ordered to be deported back to Ecuador.
Adrian Conejo Arias, Liam’s father, was taken into custody during an extensive immigration enforcement operation that shook the Minneapolis community. The father and son were held in a Texas detention center for ten days before being released under a judge's order.
Danielle Molliver, one of the family's attorneys, expressed deep disappointment over the ruling made by Judge John Burns, stating, We’re just gravely disappointed in the judge’s misguided decision. We’re committed to the family and we’ll fight the appeal, obviously, the best that we can. She also remarked that pursuing the appeal could stretch over years, although she anticipates the government will seek a swift process.
Liam has since returned to his suburban Minneapolis school, but both he and his father are reportedly struggling with fear and trauma from their time spent in detention. Molliver noted, They’re scared about their uncertain future.
The heightened enforcement in the area drew significant public attention, leading to daily protests and tragic incidents, including the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal officers. Allegations have surfaced that immigration agents used Liam as “bait” during the arrest, which the Department of Homeland Security has denied, labeling those claims an “abject lie.”
The government asserts that Adrian Conejo Arias entered the U.S. illegally, notwithstanding the family's assertion that he sought asylum legally upon his arrival in December 2024. Advocates for the family are hopeful for a successful appeal that would allow them to remain in the U.S., citing their fears of returning to Ecuador.
