Immigration Judge Denies Asylum Claim for 5-Year-Old and Family

Attorney says they were unable to present evidence before case was terminated

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:04pm

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An immigration judge has denied the asylum claim of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, according to their attorney Danielle Molliver. The family was detained in January in Minneapolis and held in a Texas detention facility before being released. Molliver said they were unable to present any evidence in the case before the government filed a motion to terminate it, which the judge granted. Molliver has filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Why it matters

The denial of the asylum claim and detention of the young child and his family has shed light on the impact of immigration enforcement actions, known as Operation Metro Surge, which have resulted in the detention of many children and families. The case has raised concerns about due process and the treatment of asylum-seekers.

The details

Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained on January 20 by immigration agents in Minneapolis and held in a Texas detention facility. They had a pending asylum case but no order of deportation. A judge later ordered them to be released, and they flew back to Minnesota on February 1. The family's attorney says they were unable to present any evidence in the case before the government filed a motion to terminate it, which the judge granted.

  • On January 20, 2026, Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
  • On February 1, 2026, Liam and his father were released from detention and flew back to Minnesota.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who, along with his family, had their asylum claim denied by an immigration judge.

Adrian Conejo Arias

The father of Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained along with his son by immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Danielle Molliver

The attorney representing Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, who has filed an appeal of the asylum claim denial.

Columbia Heights Public School District

The school district that Liam Conejo Ramos attended, which has expressed concern over the detention of the child and his family.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that conducted the immigration enforcement operation that led to the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father.

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What they’re saying

“We understand that this decision will be appealed and remain hopeful for a positive outcome.”

— Columbia Heights Public School District spokesperson

“I asked for asylum to be here for my family, for my children. I'm here because I'm scared of returning to my country.”

— Adrian Conejo Arias, Father of Liam Conejo Ramos

“The facts in this case have NOT changed: ICE did NOT target or arrest a child.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson

What’s next

The family's attorney, Danielle Molliver, has filed an appeal of the asylum claim denial with the Board of Immigration Appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement actions, particularly the impact on children and families seeking asylum. It raises questions about due process and the treatment of vulnerable populations during the asylum process.