Trump Administration Seeks to Deport 5-Year-Old Boy in Bunny Hat Photo

The case of Liam Conejo Ramos has drawn international attention and sparked criticism of the administration's immigration policies.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking a deportation order for five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, just days after he and his father were released from detention. The family entered the U.S. legally as asylum applicants, but the government is now seeking to end their claim. The timing of the renewed deportation effort has fueled speculation about political motivations, as the case has become a symbol of the administration's hardline stance on immigration.

Why it matters

The Ramos family's case highlights the broader implications of the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, which has led to a significant increase in the detention of minors. It also underscores the complex legal and ethical challenges surrounding asylum claims, as the government seeks to narrow the definition of credible fear.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it is pursuing deportation proceedings against Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, despite their legal entry as asylum applicants. The family's lawyer has characterized the government's actions as 'extraordinary' and potentially 'retaliatory', given the timing of the renewed deportation effort after the family's temporary release.

  • Liam and his father were released from detention earlier this week.
  • The Department of Homeland Security confirmed its pursuit of deportation proceedings on Friday.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who entered the United States legally with his father as an asylum applicant.

Adrian Conejo Arias

Liam's father, who entered the United States legally with his son as an asylum applicant.

Danielle Molliver

The family's lawyer, who has characterized the government's actions as 'extraordinary' and potentially 'retaliatory'.

Tricia McLaughlin

The assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, who stated that the deportation proceedings are 'standard procedure' and not 'retaliatory'.

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic Congressman from Texas who has been a vocal advocate for the Ramos family and has publicly condemned the administration's efforts to deport them.

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What they’re saying

“These are regular removal proceedings. They are not in expedited removal. This is standard procedure and there is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation's immigration laws.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (The Guardian)

“The administration is trying to take Liam again, breaking legal precedent in an attempt to break this boy's spirit.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Congressman (X)

What’s next

The family's lawyers have stated they will challenge any erroneous decisions in immigration court and ensure that U.S. immigration law works for their clients.

The takeaway

The Ramos family's case highlights the complex legal and ethical challenges surrounding asylum claims, as well as the broader implications of the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, which has led to a significant increase in the detention of minors.