5-Year-Old and Father Released from ICE Detention After Judge's Ruling

Officials dispute family's asylum claim as they return to Minnesota

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15pm

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A 5-year-old boy and his father, who were detained by ICE in Minneapolis last month, have been released from a detention center in Dilley, Texas after a judge's ruling. The family's lawyers say they have an active asylum claim, but Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denies this, claiming the family entered the U.S. illegally. The case has sparked widespread backlash, with lawmakers like Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Ilhan Omar welcoming the family back to Minnesota.

Why it matters

The detention of the young boy and his father has raised concerns about the treatment of immigrant families and the policies around asylum claims. The dispute over the family's legal status highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S.

The details

According to officials, the 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, entered the U.S. in 2024. The family's lawyers say they have an active asylum claim, but Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denies this, stating the family entered the country illegally. The family was detained by ICE in Minneapolis last month, sparking widespread backlash. A judge ordered the family's release on Saturday, and they were escorted back to Minnesota by Rep. Joaquin Castro.

  • The family was detained by ICE in Minneapolis on January 20, 2026.
  • A judge ordered the family's release on February 1, 2026.
  • The family was returned to Minnesota on February 2, 2026.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was detained by ICE with his father.

Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias

The father of Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained by ICE with his son.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who denied the family's asylum claim.

Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative from Texas who escorted the family back to Minnesota after their release.

Ilhan Omar

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota who celebrated the family's return home.

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What they’re saying

“Don't let anyone tell you this isn't your home. America became the most powerful, prosperous nation on earth because of immigrants not in spite of them.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative

“Liam is home now and we are grateful to Joaquin Castro for traveling to Minneapolis with him and his dad. Welcome home Liam.”

— Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The judge's ruling and the family's release from detention raise questions about the ongoing legal dispute over their asylum claim and immigration status. The case is likely to continue to be closely watched as it progresses through the courts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often contentious debates around immigration enforcement and asylum policies in the U.S. It underscores the human impact of these issues, particularly on vulnerable populations like young children, and the need for compassionate and fair treatment of immigrant families.