Judge denies DHS push for 'retaliatory' deportation of 5-year-old's family

The Trump administration's bid to expedite deportation proceedings against 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family was postponed by a judge.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A judge granted the family of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos more time to plead their asylum case, denying the Trump administration's motion to fast-track their deportation proceedings. The family had been detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, which has faced reports of poor conditions, before being released earlier this month on a federal judge's order.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and the rights of asylum-seekers, especially those with children. It also raises concerns about the treatment of detainees, particularly minors, at immigration detention facilities.

The details

The US Department of Homeland Security filed a motion Wednesday seeking to fast-track the Ecuadorian family's deportation, but the family responded by asking the court for additional time to reply to the DHS motion. A judge granted the family's request, postponing the case to a later date. The family had been arrested in their driveway in Minnesota and taken to the Dilley facility, which has been criticized for poor conditions.

  • On January 20, ICE agents arrested Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, in their driveway in Minnesota.
  • Earlier this month, Ramos and his father were ordered released from the Dilley facility on a federal judge's order.
  • On February 5, the DHS filed a motion to expedite the family's deportation proceedings.
  • On February 7, a judge granted the family's request for more time to respond to the DHS motion, postponing the case.

The players

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy who was detained with his family at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.

Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias

Liam Conejo Ramos' father, who was also detained with the family.

Danielle Molliver

An attorney representing Liam Conejo Ramos' family.

Zena Stenvik

Superintendent of the Columbia Heights Public Schools, where Liam Conejo Ramos is a student.

Tricia McLaughlin

Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“Our concern remains centered on Liam and all children who deserve stability, safety, and the opportunity to be in school without fear.”

— Zena Stenvik, Superintendent, Columbia Heights Public Schools (CNN)

“The government is moving many pieces, it's doing everything possible to do us harm, so that they'll probably deport us. We live with that fear too.”

— Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias (Minnesota Public Radio)

“His family came in legally through the asylum process, and when I left the Dilley detention center, one of the ICE officers explained to me that his father was on a one-year parole in place, so they should allow that to continue.”

— Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-Texas (News conference)

What’s next

The judge will decide on a new date for the family's deportation proceedings, giving them more time to plead their asylum case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and the rights of asylum-seekers, especially those with children. It also raises concerns about the treatment of detainees, particularly minors, at immigration detention facilities.