Trump Administration Seeks to Expedite Removal of 5-Year-Old Minnesota Boy

Federal government files motion to end asylum claims for Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias

Feb. 7, 2026 at 7:15am

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The Trump administration is seeking to expedite the removal of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, just days after a federal judge in Texas ordered their release from an immigration detention center. The government has filed a motion to end the family's asylum claims, prompting their lawyer to say they are "fully committed" to fighting the case in court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, even in cases involving young children, and the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local communities over deportation policies.

The details

Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian were detained by federal officers on January 20 during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. After spending 10 days in an ICE detention center in Dilley, Texas, a federal judge ordered their release. However, the Trump administration has now filed a motion to expedite their removal, seeking to end the family's asylum claims.

  • Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained on January 20, 2026.
  • They spent 10 days in an ICE detention center in Dilley, Texas.
  • A federal judge ordered their release last Sunday.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was detained by federal immigration authorities along with his father.

Adrian Conejo Arias

The father of Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained with his son by federal immigration authorities.

Paschal Nwokocha

The lawyer representing Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian, who says they are "fully committed" to fighting the case in court.

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic Congressman from Texas who escorted Liam and his father back to Minnesota after their release from detention.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who framed the court action as "regular removal proceedings" and said there was "nothing retaliatory" about enforcing immigration laws.

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What they’re saying

“We were able to get additional time to do what we need to do in court.”

— Paschal Nwokocha, Attorney

“Liam Ramos, 5, spent ten days in a Texas trailer prison. He got sick, missed his mother and school, and was afraid of the guards. Millions prayed, spoke up, and offered to do whatever they could to see him go home. But now, the Trump administration is trying to take him again. They are breaking legal precedent in an attempt to break this boy's spirit and all of the Americans who are praying for him.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative

“This is standard procedure, and there is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation's immigration laws.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian to remain in the United States while their asylum claims are further adjudicated.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, even in cases involving young children, and the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local communities over deportation policies. It raises questions about the treatment of immigrant families and the potential long-term impacts on children caught up in the system.