Deputy AG denies 5-year-old, father have asylum claim after ICE detention

Authorities dispute family's immigration status after release from detention center

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that a 5-year-old boy and his father, who were detained by ICE in Minneapolis last month, did not apply for asylum, despite claims from the family's lawyers that they have an active asylum case. Blanche denied the family's asylum claim, echoing previous statements from the Department of Homeland Security that the family was in the country illegally. The family was released from a detention center in Dilley, Texas over the weekend after a judge's ruling.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing disputes over immigration policies and asylum claims, with the government asserting the family entered the country illegally while the family's lawyers argue they have a valid asylum case. The detention of a young child has also sparked widespread backlash and criticism of immigration enforcement tactics.

The details

According to reports, the 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian family, were detained by ICE in Minneapolis last month. The family's lawyers say the family has an active asylum claim currently being processed, allowing them to remain in the country pending a court decision. However, the Deputy Attorney General denied that the family has a pending asylum case, echoing previous claims by the Department of Homeland Security that the family was in the country illegally.

  • The family was detained by ICE in Minneapolis last month.
  • The family was released from a detention center in Dilley, Texas on Saturday.

The players

Todd Blanche

Deputy Attorney General who denied the family has a valid asylum claim.

Liam Conejo Ramos

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

Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias

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

Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative who picked up the family from the detention center and escorted them back to Minnesota.

Ilhan Omar

A U.S. Representative who celebrated the family's release on social media.

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What they’re saying

“That is not true. There's a very meaningful dispute about whether they had properly applied for asylum.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General

“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

What’s next

The judge's ruling that ordered the release of the 5-year-old and his father from immigration detention within 3 days is a significant development in this case. The ongoing legal disputes over the family's immigration status and asylum claim will likely continue to be closely watched.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often contentious debates around immigration policies, asylum claims, and the treatment of immigrant families, especially when children are involved. It underscores the need for clear and compassionate policies that balance national security concerns with respect for human rights and due process.