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U.S. Lawmakers Visit Detained 5-Year-Old Amid Immigration Crackdown Protests
Democratic Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett met Wednesday with 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father at a Texas detention facility, as tensions escalate over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions.
The lawmakers spoke with the Ecuadorian boy and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, for about 30 minutes at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. According to Castro, the child has been sleeping extensively, asking for his mother and classmates, and expressing a desire to return to school.
“I would ask President Trump, who himself has grandkids who are of the age of some of the kids we met with today, to think of what it would be like for his grandkids to be behind bars,” Castro said at a news conference following the visit.
The meeting represents part of Democrats’ broader midterm election-year strategy to conduct congressional oversight and highlight consequences of President Trump’s immigration policies. The case of young Liam has drawn national attention since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained him and his father on January 20 in Minneapolis during a controversial operation that has sparked major protests.
A widely circulated photograph showing the child wearing a Spider-Man backpack during his detention has become a potent symbol of the administration’s immigration approach. Castro described the boy as “emblematic of the monstrosity of the ICE system and the detention system.”
The circumstances surrounding the boy’s detention remain disputed. Neighbors and school officials claim federal immigration officers used the preschooler as “bait” by instructing him to knock on his house door so his mother would answer. The Department of Homeland Security has forcefully denied this account, calling it an “abject lie” and stating the father fled on foot, leaving the child in a running vehicle in their driveway.
On Monday, a federal judge issued a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from removing Liam and his father from the United States while their detention faces legal challenges.
Outside the detention facility, tensions ran high as protesters gathered in support of detainees. The demonstration escalated when Texas state police deployed chemical irritants toward the crowd, which had been chanting and carrying signs with messages including “Children are not criminals!” When protesters moved closer to the facility, state police arrived on a school bus, ordered the crowd to disperse, and deployed pepper balls.
The Texas Department of Public Safety later reported arresting two people, claiming protesters had ignored orders to disperse, breached a designated protest area, and spat on officers.
Crockett, who is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, noted that Liam was among many children they met at the facility who reportedly aren’t receiving education. She said facility officials indicated detainees with criminal records were not permitted at the location.
“We are supposed to be better than this,” she said.
The congressional visit comes amid growing Democratic criticism of the administration’s policies. Castro has publicly accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of running a “lawless” immigration operation that functions as a “bounty hunter organization.” Like Castro, Crockett and her Senate primary opponent, state Rep. James Talarico, have called for Noem’s impeachment.
Crockett has also voted against a pending appropriations bill that would fund Noem’s department and its immigration enforcement agencies. The Republican-controlled House passed the DHS funding bill with support from some Democrats, shortly before 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was killed during an immigration enforcement incident. Several Senate Democrats have subsequently stated they will not approve DHS funding, even if it means a partial government shutdown.
Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly criticized the administration for restricting their access to immigration facilities. Earlier this month, Minnesota Representatives Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, and Ilhan Omar were denied entry to detainees at a federal building near Minneapolis. DHS claimed the lawmakers failed to comply with a new policy requiring seven days’ notice before facility visits.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) faced similar denials when attempting to enter the Dilley facility and another in Pearsall, Texas, last week. Murphy argued these denials prevent Congress from fulfilling its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
A federal judge declined earlier this month to intervene in the dispute over congressional access. Castro noted that for Wednesday’s visit, detainees in Dilley were allowed by the administration or its private contractor to sign up to meet with the lawmakers.
Following the visit, Castro shared a photo on social media showing Liam in his father’s arms with his eyes closed. “I demanded his release and told him how much his family, his school, and our country loves him and is praying for him,” Castro wrote in the accompanying post.
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14 Comments
This is a devastating situation. No child should ever have to endure the trauma of detention, especially at such a tender age. I hope this case spurs meaningful action to prevent such abuses in the future.
Absolutely. The detention of minors should always be an absolute last resort, with their best interests as the guiding principle.
The detention of a 5-year-old is unconscionable. I hope this case prompts a thorough review of immigration policies and procedures to ensure the rights and dignity of all individuals are protected, especially the most vulnerable.
Well said. Safeguarding the welfare of children should be a fundamental principle of any just immigration system.
Detaining a 5-year-old is deeply concerning and underscores the need for more humane immigration policies. I hope this case sparks meaningful reforms to protect vulnerable children and families.
Absolutely. The detention of minors should always be an absolute last resort, with the best interests of the child as the top priority.
This is a heartbreaking situation. No child should have to experience the trauma of detention, especially at such a young age. I applaud the lawmakers for visiting and bringing attention to this case.
I agree. Compassionate and ethical immigration enforcement must prioritize the wellbeing of children. This is a critical issue that requires urgent action.
This case is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for reform. Detaining a young child like this is a clear violation of human rights and should never happen. I hope this spurs meaningful action to protect vulnerable families.
Agreed. The detention of minors must be an absolute last resort, with the best interests of the child as the top priority. This case is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done.
Detaining a young child like this is a serious abuse of power and a violation of basic human rights. I’m glad the lawmakers are shedding light on this case and pushing for reform.
Agreed. Protecting the wellbeing of immigrant children must be a top priority. This case highlights the urgent need for a more humane approach.
Detaining a 5-year-old is simply unacceptable. I commend the lawmakers for visiting and drawing attention to this case. Protecting vulnerable children must be a top priority in any immigration system.
Well said. Safeguarding the rights and dignity of immigrant children should be a fundamental tenet of a just and humane immigration policy.