Protesters Clash with Law Enforcement at Texas Detention Facility Holding 5-Year-Old

Tear gas deployed as demonstrators march to South Texas Family Residential Center where child and father are detained

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Law enforcement clashed with protesters outside a Texas detention facility on Wednesday where a 5-year-old boy and his father are being held. At least two protesters were detained as U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers deployed tear gas against the demonstrators marching toward the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas.

Why it matters

The protest highlights the ongoing controversy over the detention of immigrant families, especially young children, as part of the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts. The case of the 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, has drawn national attention and raised concerns about the impact of detention on minors.

The details

Community organizers said they were gathering at the facility to hold 'a vigil to amplify the voices and protests of children and families held in detention against their will.' Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, met with Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander, at the center earlier on the same day, reporting that the 5-year-old has been 'depressed' and 'not eating well' since being detained.

  • The protest took place on January 28, 2026.
  • Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained on January 20, 2026.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who has been detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center along with his father.

Adrian Alexander

The father of Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained with his son as part of the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts.

Congressman Joaquin Castro

A Democratic representative from Texas who met with Liam and his father at the detention facility.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that was involved in the detention of Liam and his father.

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that was present during the protest and clashed with demonstrators.

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What they’re saying

“His father said that Liam has been sleeping a lot, that he's been asking about his family, his mom, and his classmates, and saying that he wants to go back to school.”

— Congressman Joaquin Castro (KSAT)

What’s next

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the removal of Liam and his father from the district, pending a habeas case challenging their detention.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate over the detention of immigrant families, particularly the impact on young children, and the need for more humane and compassionate policies when it comes to immigration enforcement.