A young child, only five years old, named Liam Conejo Ramos, was detained by immigration officials in the United States, sparking widespread outrage and questions. As the incident gains viral attention, conflicting accounts have surfaced regarding the events surrounding the arrest of the child's father.
The operation took place on January 20 in a suburb of Minneapolis, targeting the child's father, Adrián Alexander Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian national. According to the Department of Homeland Security, as reported by Univision, he attempted to flee on foot after getting out of his vehicle upon noticing federal agents, abandoning his son inside the car. In their account, an ICE agent stayed with the boy solely to ensure his safety while other agents pursued the father.
Authorities further state that, in such situations, parents have the choice to either have their children accompany them through the immigration process or leave them in the care of a trusted individual. They also mention the possibility of voluntary return through the CBP Home app.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Representation
Contradicting this explanation, school officials and the family's lawyer offer a different story. Zena Stenvik, superintendent of the Columbia Heights school district, claimed the child was taken with his father and used to knock on the door of their home to check for other occupants, describing it as using a child "as bait." According to the district, Liam is among at least four students recently detained by ICE in that area.
The family's attorney, Marc Prokosch, stated that they entered the United States legally in 2024 and have an ongoing asylum case, lacking any criminal record or active deportation order. Both he and school officials confirmed that father and son were transported to a family detention center in Texas, where they remain held. Prokosch condemned the process as "simply cruel."
Political Response and Community Impact
Amid the controversy, Vice President J.D. Vance defended ICE during a visit to Minneapolis, downplaying criticism and supporting the agents' actions. "Are we supposed to let a five-year-old freeze to death?" he remarked, according to USA Today.
Vance argued that arresting the father was part of a legitimate operation and allowing exceptions for the presence of children would, as he stated, create "immunity" from the law.
Despite the government's stance, the family's lawyer insists the father has no criminal background. Similar operations have led to the detention of other local students, including teenagers and a 10-year-old girl, some while on their way to school.
Teachers have reported that federal agents are seen near schools, following school buses and appearing in parking lots, instilling fear among families who simply want their children to study without fear.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis is experiencing daily protests marked by the tension between local authorities and the federal government. Vance visited the city to show support for ICE and blamed state and municipal officials for the current "chaos," ruling out the application of the Insurrection Act for now, although Trump has suggested that possibility.
Key Questions About ICE's Operation and Community Impact
What led to the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos?
Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old boy, was detained during an ICE operation targeting his father, an Ecuadorian national, who attempted to flee from federal agents.
How have local communities reacted to the ICE operations?
The local community in Minneapolis has responded with daily protests, expressing outrage and fear over the presence of federal agents near schools, affecting families and students.
What is Vice President J.D. Vance's stance on the issue?
Vice President J.D. Vance has defended ICE's actions, suggesting that arresting the father was part of a lawful operation and that exceptions for children could undermine legal enforcement.