Officials deny seeking quick end to asylum claims for Minneapolis family

Family of 5-year-old boy detained during immigration crackdown fights deportation

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Federal authorities have denied attempting to expedite an end to asylum claims by the family of a 5-year-old boy who was detained with his father during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. The family's lawyer claimed the government was trying to speed up the deportation proceedings, but officials denied this, stating the proceedings are 'regular removal' and not 'expedited removal'.

Why it matters

The case has stirred outrage over the immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis area, with neighbors and school officials accusing federal agents of using the young boy as 'bait' to detain his family. The family's fight to stay in the U.S. highlights the complex and often controversial nature of immigration enforcement.

The details

Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old boy, was detained with his father Adrian Conejo Arias during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. The family's lawyer, Danielle Molliver, claimed the government was attempting to speed up the deportation proceedings, calling the actions 'extraordinary' and possibly 'retaliatory'. However, Department of Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin denied this, stating the proceedings are 'regular removal' and not 'expedited removal'. An immigration judge has given Molliver additional time to argue the family's case, and they are currently sequestered pending their next hearing this Friday.

  • Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias were detained on January 20.
  • A judge ordered them released from a detention facility in Dilley, Texas, and they returned to Minnesota on February 1.
  • The family's next hearing is scheduled for this Friday.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was detained with his father during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Adrian Conejo Arias

Liam's father, who is originally from Ecuador and was detained with his son during the immigration crackdown.

Danielle Molliver

The family's lawyer, who claimed the government was attempting to speed up the deportation proceedings.

Tricia McLaughlin

A Department of Homeland Security official who denied the government was attempting to expedite the family's asylum claims.

Kristen Stuenkel

A spokesperson for Liam's school district, the Columbia Heights Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“These are regular removal proceedings. They are not in expedited removal. There is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation's immigration laws.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security official

“The government was attempting to speed up the deportation proceedings, calling the actions 'extraordinary' and possibly 'retaliatory'.”

— Danielle Molliver, Lawyer for the Conejo Ramos family

What’s next

The family's next hearing is scheduled for this Friday, where Molliver will have additional time to argue their case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often controversial nature of immigration enforcement, with accusations of the government using a young child as 'bait' to detain his family. The family's fight to stay in the U.S. underscores the high stakes and emotional toll of such cases.