Immigration Judge Denies Asylum Claim for Liam Conejo Ramos and Family

Attorney says family was unable to present evidence before government filed motion to terminate case.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:04pm

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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. The family was detained in January in Minneapolis and held in a Texas detention facility before being released. The attorney says they have filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Why it matters

The case has shed light on the impact of immigration enforcement operations on children and families seeking asylum in the U.S. The school district has expressed concern over the harm caused by such detentions.

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. 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.

  • Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained on January 20, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • They were held in a Texas detention facility before being released on February 1, 2026.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was detained along with his father in Minneapolis.

Adrian Conejo Arias

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

Danielle Molliver

The attorney representing Liam Conejo Ramos and his family.

Columbia Heights Public School District

The school district that Liam Conejo Ramos attended, and which has expressed concern over the harm caused by his detention.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who provided a different account of the events surrounding 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

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

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson

“I love my son too much. I would never abandon him.”

— Adrian Conejo Arias

What’s next

The family's attorney has filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement and the impact on children and families seeking asylum in the United States.