Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who were detained by immigration officers in Minnesota and held at an ICE facility in Texas, have been released following a judge’s order. They have returned to Minnesota, according to Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro.
The two were detained in a Minneapolis suburb on January 20 and subsequently taken to a detention facility in Dilley, Texas.
Katherine Schneider, a representative for Rep. Castro, confirmed their arrival back home, citing that Castro personally picked them up on Saturday night and escorted them to Minnesota on Sunday.
Images of young Liam in a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by immigration officers sparked outrage over the tough immigration policies enforced during the previous administration.
Locals and educators claimed federal immigration officers used the young boy as “bait” by asking him to knock on the door of his residence to lure his mother out. The Department of Homeland Security denied these allegations, calling such descriptions “an abject lie.” They stated that the father fled on foot, leaving Liam in a running vehicle.
Castro penned a heartfelt letter to Liam during their flight back, stating, You moved the world. He continued, emphasizing that Liam's family, community, and many others had prayed for his safe return. Castro reminded Liam that America, a nation built by immigrants, is a place he can call home.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota welcomed Liam back, asserting that he should be with his family and in school rather than in detention. She also called for an end to ICE actions that separate families.
