The federal government is appealing a court order to release 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from immigration detention in Texas.
The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal on April 1, 2026, challenging a January ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery that freed the pair after determining their constitutional rights were violated during their detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers earlier this year. If successful, the appeal could result in their return to detention.
Details of the case and detention
Liam and his father were taken into custody in the Minneapolis area as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” a crackdown on immigration enforcement that drew widespread attention. Photos of Liam arriving home from preschool on January 20, wearing a blue bunny hat and a Spiderman backpack while surrounded by ICE agents, became a symbol of the harsh measures used.
Judge Biery criticized the government’s actions, describing the detention as stemming from a “perfidious lust for unbridled power” linked to daily deportation quotas, even at the cost of traumatizing children. His ruling ordered their release and stipulated that if re-detained, they must be given a bond hearing.
Government response and legal status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that both father and son “received full due process and were issued a final order of removal on February 19.” A DHS spokesperson emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to the arrest, detention, and removal of those in the U.S. without legal authorization.
The government’s appeal includes all aspects of Judge Biery’s ruling, aiming to overturn the release order and related findings. Meanwhile, the family’s asylum claim was denied by an immigration judge in March, making them eligible for deportation. Their attorneys are currently appealing that decision.
Impact on the child and community reaction
Liam’s detention affected his elementary school community in a Minneapolis suburb, where multiple families faced similar circumstances. Valley View Elementary Principal Jason Kuhlman expressed concern for Liam’s well-being and noted the challenges of explaining the situation to young classmates. The school district confirmed Liam has since returned to class, with efforts made to protect his privacy as he reintegrates.
The case attracted outrage after allegations that ICE agents used Liam as “bait” to have his mother open the door while detaining his father. DHS responded that officers attempted to place Liam with his mother, who refused custody, and that the father wanted the child to remain with him.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement policies, particularly concerning the detention of children. It raises questions about the treatment of families in immigration custody, legal protections for minors, and the broader impact of aggressive deportation efforts under the current administration.
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