San Antonio, February 1, 2026
A federal judge in San Antonio has ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. This decision comes amidst growing concerns regarding the treatment of immigrant families and the government’s deportation practices. The ruling, effective by February 3, 2026, allows the family to pursue their immigration case outside of detention, reflecting a shift toward more compassionate policies in immigration enforcement.
San Antonio Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old and Father from Immigration Detention
San Antonio, Texas – In a significant ruling, a federal judge has mandated the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. Set to take effect by February 3, 2026, the ruling allows the family to pursue their immigration case outside of detention, reflecting growing concerns about the treatment of families within the immigration enforcement system.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery highlights criticisms surrounding the government’s immigration enforcement practices, particularly the controversial daily deportation quotas. Judge Biery articulated that these quotas are detrimental, suggesting they contribute to unnecessary trauma for vulnerable populations, particularly children. His use of historical references, including the Declaration of Independence and biblical passages, underscored the foundational American values of human dignity and compassion in addressing these issues.
Background of the Case
The case gained national attention when Liam and his father were detained on January 20, 2026, by ICE agents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Following their arrest, they were transferred to a detention facility in Dilley, approximately 70 miles from San Antonio. Their detention sparked public outrage, culminating in protests and visits from Texas Democratic Congress members who condemned the conditions and called for their release.
The family’s legal struggles were further complicated by allegations that ICE had inappropriately utilized Liam as “bait” to apprehend his father, a claim that the Department of Homeland Security has denied. In a broader context, the situation has prompted reevaluation of immigration enforcement approaches and their implications for family structures, drawing attention from various advocacy groups and local leaders.
Political and Community Reactions
The incident has triggered significant political responses, with local lawmakers such as U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett advocating for more humane treatment of immigrants. Their intervention underscores a growing concern among politicians and community leaders regarding the well-being of children caught in immigration enforcement proceedings, further emphasizing the need for compassion and dignity in policy implementation.
Moving Forward
With the federal judge’s ruling, the Conejo family looks forward to being reunited and proceeding with their case in a less harmful environment. The family’s legal team has expressed relief at the ruling and is focused on ensuring a safe transition, while also highlighting the ongoing nature of immigration proceedings that affect many families across the nation.
Conclusion
This ruling by Judge Biery signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. The importance of maintaining family unity and ensuring the welfare of children through humane policies is essential for a healthier and more just community. As the case continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on local and federal systems to prioritize compassion and integrity in their approaches to immigration enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the ruling issued by the federal judge in San Antonio?
A federal judge in San Antonio ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, from an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. The ruling mandates their release by February 3, 2026, while their immigration case proceeds through the court system.
What were the criticisms made by Judge Fred Biery regarding the government’s actions?
Judge Biery criticized the government’s pursuit of daily deportation quotas, stating that it “has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatizing children.” He also referenced the Declaration of Independence and biblical passages to emphasize the importance of human dignity and compassion.
What sparked national outrage regarding the detention of Liam and his father?
The detention of Liam and his father sparked national outrage due to the circumstances of their arrest and the impact on the child. Allegations emerged that ICE used Liam as “bait” to arrest his father, a claim the Department of Homeland Security has denied. The family’s transfer to a detention facility in Texas and the conditions there also drew widespread criticism.
What actions have been taken by lawmakers in response to this case?
Texas Democratic members of Congress, including U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, visited the detention facility in Dilley to meet with Liam and his father. They condemned the detention and called for the family’s release, highlighting concerns over the conditions at the facility and the impact on the child.
What is the current status of the family’s legal proceedings?
The family’s legal team has expressed relief at the ruling and is working to ensure a safe and timely reunion for the family. The case is ongoing, with the family’s immigration proceedings continuing through the court system.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individuals Involved | 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias |
| Location of Detention | Dilley, Texas |
| Federal Judge | Fred Biery |
| Release Deadline | February 3, 2026 |
| Allegations | ICE used Liam as “bait” to arrest his father (denied by DHS) |
| Lawmakers Involved | U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett |
| Legal Status | Family’s immigration case ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Lawmakers and Protesters Call for Release of Detained 5-Year-Old in Texas
Dilley Protest Erupts Over Detained Families
Minneapolis Incident Sparks National Debate on Immigration Tactics
San Antonio City Council Confronts ICE Operations Amid Public Protests
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
