Controversial Discussion on Immigration Policy
On Sunday’s episode of “Face the Nation,” host Margaret Brennan expressed her surprise when Republican Texas Representative Tony Gonzalez stated that the U.S. must enforce immigration laws. She then pressed him about how he planned to assist in deporting families.
The case of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained, stirred conversations online and in media following the release of a federal document in January 2026. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Liam’s father, Adrian Conejo Arias, had been targeted in an illegal immigrant arrest operation. Liam became involved when his mother opted not to take him along, leading the father to ask that his son be allowed to stay with him during his detention, as per the department’s explanation.
Brennan pointed out the Dilley facility, located in Gonzalez’s district, where Liam was held before a judge ordered his release. She remarked, “He was released because his family is pursuing asylum. They entered the U.S. legally, but the current administration used a method deemed illegal, which raises questions about the situation.”
Brennan noted that in an interview with Telemundo, Arias mentioned that Liam often wakes up frightened, afraid of being taken away again and struggling to cope with his circumstances. “His father says this has caused emotional trauma, and yet the government persists in trying to deport him. Can you explain this focus on a 5-year-old and his dad considering they entered through the legal pathway?” Brennan inquired.
Gonzalez responded, attributing the issue to actions by the Biden administration, suggesting that that it initiated the current chaos. As the conversation progressed, Brennan interjected to clarify that both Arias and Ramos entered the U.S. properly.
“They did use an app that lacks proper vetting,” Gonzalez countered. “If they don’t qualify for asylum, then what happens next?” He reflected on the emotional toll these circumstances have on children, mentioning his own 5-year-old at home and questioning future implications.
Brennan, pushing for clarity, asked if he was comfortable defending the current approach. Gonzalez began presenting his arguments for maintaining a “nation of laws,” but once more, Brennan interrupted him.
“They were indeed following the law,” she emphasized, pointing out that the new administration had invalidated many regulations of the previous one.
Gonzalez argued for a compassionate yet lawful approach, mentioning the Dilley facility’s conditions, claiming it surpasses some local schools in quality. Since Arias’ detention in Minneapolis, he and Liam were housed in a Texas facility, but by February 1, they had returned to Minnesota after a federal judge’s ruling ordered their release.
After their release, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the incident, reiterating that the situation remained unchanged and accused Arias of leaving Liam behind. McLaughlin mentioned that an ICE officer had to stay with Liam during the father’s arrest and indicated that they had tried to secure custody through his mother, who refused.
It is essential to note that the family detention system has its roots in policies established during the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who had the highest deportation rates during his tenure.
