Temporary Block on Deportation of Father and Son

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the deportation of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Ramos. This decision came on Tuesday after the duo was detained earlier this month, prompting backlash from anti-ICE advocates. U.S. District Judge Fred Bialim’s injunction prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from deporting them “until further notice from this court.”

Additionally, the order bars ICE from removing them from the Western District of Texas.

According to ICE, the father, undocumented from Ecuador, had been trying to avoid arrest when he was detained on January 20.

ICE Deportation Director, Marcos Charles, stated that agents specifically targeted Liam’s father during the operation. When they attempted to return Liam to his family, the individuals inside the house did not open the door.

A local pastor, Sergio Amezcua, mentioned that he spoke with Liam’s mother, who allegedly received advice from neighbors to remain indoors when ICE arrived at their home.

However, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed that claim, asserting they had no intention to detain the mother. Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary, remarked that the officers reassured her they wouldn’t take her into custody. They noted that the mother had denied custody of Liam and that his father stated he wanted the child to stay with him.

“The details of the case haven’t changed,” McLaughlin added, explaining that ICE doesn’t target children. She explained that the operation was aimed at arresting Adrian, who had been allowed to stay in the U.S. by the Biden administration. As officers approached, he reportedly abandoned his son and fled.

Conejo entered the U.S. unlawfully in December 2024 and claims to have a pending refugee application that could allow him to stay in the country.