Parents Say 5-Year-Old Boy Traumatized After Minneapolis ICE Arrest

Liam Conejo Ramos' family says he has been 'very different' since the incident.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:16pm

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A solitary, empty school backpack sitting on a bench in a dimly lit urban setting, conveying a sense of melancholy and the lasting impact of a traumatic event on a young child.The traumatic arrest of a young boy by immigration authorities has left a lasting impact on his family, exposing the human toll of aggressive enforcement policies.Minneapolis Today

The parents of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos told CBS News that their son has been 'very different' ever since his and his father's arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis in January. The family says the traumatic incident, in which Ramos was photographed wearing his school backpack, has deeply affected the young boy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the impact that immigration enforcement actions can have on children, raising concerns about the treatment of minors during ICE arrests and the long-term psychological effects on families.

The details

Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old boy, was arrested along with his father by ICE agents in Minneapolis in January. The family says the traumatic incident, in which Ramos was photographed wearing his school backpack, has deeply affected the young boy, who they describe as being 'very different' since the arrest.

  • Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were arrested by ICE in Minneapolis in January 2026.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was arrested by ICE agents along with his father in Minneapolis.

Liam Conejo Ramos' parents

The parents of Liam Conejo Ramos, who have said their son has been 'very different' since the ICE arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Liam has been very different ever since the arrest. He's not the same happy, playful boy he was before.”

— Liam Conejo Ramos' parents

The takeaway

This case highlights the traumatic impact that immigration enforcement actions can have on children, underscoring the need for more humane and compassionate policies that prioritize the wellbeing of families.