US Moves to Deport Five-Year-Old Child Detained in Minnesota, Sparking Legal and Political Debate
U.S. immigration authorities have initiated deportation proceedings against a five-year-old child from Ecuador who was detained in the state of Minnesota, triggering legal concerns and intensifying debate over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
According to reports, the child, identified as Liam Conejo Ramos, was taken into custody along with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, despite the family having entered the United States legally as asylum seekers. The case has drawn widespread attention after details emerged about the child’s detention.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, defended the action, stating that the case falls under standard immigration enforcement procedures. She rejected claims that the move was retaliatory, saying there is “no retaliation involved in enforcing U.S. immigration law.” The child’s legal counsel, however, described the situation as highly unusual.
Court records show that Liam and his father were detained last month and later released under a judge’s order on January 31. Following their release, the family returned to Minnesota. Despite meeting legal requirements, deportation steps were later initiated, prompting renewed legal scrutiny.
Liam’s attorney, Daniel Moliver, said the government’s actions raise serious concerns, particularly given the family’s compliance with court directives. While DHS has accused Adrian Conejo Arias of remaining in the country unlawfully, officials have not publicly provided detailed evidence to support the claim.
The case gained national attention after images circulated showing federal agents detaining the child outside his home. In the photos, the five-year-old is seen wearing a blue rabbit-themed hat and carrying a Spider-Man backpack—images that sparked strong public reaction. Neither the family’s legal team nor the Justice Department offered immediate comment following the release of the images.
Minnesota has recently become a focal point of intensified immigration enforcement. As part of a broader crackdown, the Trump administration has deployed thousands of immigration officers to the state, arguing that the measures are necessary to restore stability.
The operations have prompted widespread protests across Minnesota. Tensions escalated further after clashes between federal agents and demonstrators reportedly resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. The unfolding situation has become emblematic of the broader national debate over immigration policy, enforcement practices, and the treatment of migrant families in the United States.
