Dilley, Texas, January 29, 2026
A protest outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley escalated into a clash between protesters and law enforcement, demanding the release of a detained Ecuadorian boy and his father. Approximately 150 demonstrators voiced their concerns, but tensions heightened as law enforcement used chemical irritants and made at least two arrests. The incident has sparked a national debate regarding immigration policies and the treatment of families in detention.
Dilley Protesters Face Off with Law Enforcement over Detained Families
Dilley, Texas – On January 28, 2026, a demonstration outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley escalated into a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement. The protest was organized to demand the release of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who are currently detained at the facility.
Details of the Incident
Approximately 150 protesters gathered near the detention center, chanting slogans such as “Free the children” and “Bring them home.” The demonstration coincided with a visit by Democratic Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, who sought to meet with the detained families. As tensions rose, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers arrived in riot gear. Witnesses reported that law enforcement deployed chemical irritants, including pepper balls, to disperse the crowd. At least two protesters were detained during the incident. Some protesters were treated on-site for exposure to the chemical irritants.
Background Context
The protest was sparked by the detention of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who were apprehended earlier this month in Minnesota. Their case has drawn national attention, with critics alleging that the child was used as “bait” to apprehend his mother—a claim denied by the Department of Homeland Security. The incident has intensified debates over the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the treatment of detained families.
Responses and Reactions
In response to the incident, Democratic lawmakers have called for the release of the detained families and criticized the use of chemical irritants against protesters. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the facility was not on lockdown and that medical care would not be denied to detainees.
Related Incidents
This event is part of a series of protests against immigration enforcement practices. Similar demonstrations have occurred in other cities, including Austin, where protesters clashed with law enforcement in June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted the protest outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas?
The protest was organized to demand the release of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who are currently detained at the facility. Their case has drawn national attention, with critics alleging that the child was used as “bait” to apprehend his mother—a claim denied by the Department of Homeland Security.
How did law enforcement respond to the protesters?
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers arrived in riot gear and deployed chemical irritants, including pepper balls, to disperse the crowd. At least two protesters were detained during the incident. Some protesters were treated on-site for exposure to the chemical irritants.
What is the current status of the detained individuals?
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the facility was not on lockdown and that medical care would not be denied to detainees. Democratic lawmakers have called for the release of the detained families and criticized the use of chemical irritants against protesters.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dilley, Texas |
| Date | January 28, 2026 |
| Protesters | Approximately 150 individuals |
| Law Enforcement Response | Deployment of chemical irritants, including pepper balls; at least two protesters detained |
| Demands | Release of detained families, including 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father |
| Political Response | Democratic lawmakers call for release of detained families; criticism of chemical irritant use against protesters |
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