A federal judge has issued a temporary order that prevents the removal of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. This decision follows their arrest last week in Minnesota, a case that has heightened discussions about immigration policies during the Trump administration.
U.S. Judge Fred Biery ruled on March 3, 2025, that no actions should be taken to transfer or deport the father and son until the court case is resolved. The family is currently being held at a detention facility in Dilley, Texas, located near San Antonio.
The circumstances surrounding their arrest have sparked controversy. According to neighbors and school officials, federal immigration officers allegedly used the young boy as “bait” by instructing him to knock on the door of their home, prompting his mother to answer. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has labeled this account an “abject lie,” asserting that the father fled on foot and left his son in a running vehicle outside their residence.
Ramos’ attorney, Jennifer Scarborough, did not respond to requests for comments from the Associated Press. The DHS reiterated its version of events but did not address the implications of the judge’s order. Federal officials have stated that Conejo Arias was in the United States illegally, although specific details were not provided.
Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, indicated that Conejo Arias entered the country in December 2024. Meanwhile, the family’s legal representative has claimed that Conejo Arias has a pending asylum application, which should permit him to remain in the country.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions surrounding immigration policies in the United States, particularly under the current administration. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for the family remain uncertain, but the protection provided by Judge Biery’s ruling offers a temporary reprieve from deportation as they navigate the complexities of the legal system.
