Liam Conejo Ramos, 5, Still Fears ICE After Detention Sparked Outrage
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos constantly worries about being detained by ICE again, his parents told CBS News. Liam and his father Adrian were detained in February and later released, sparking global outrage. The family is now back in Minneapolis but remains in hiding.
Five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos lives in constant fear of being detained by immigration officers again, his parents revealed in an exclusive CBS News interview. The boy and his father Adrian were detained by ICE in February, creating international headlines and widespread criticism.
The family was released on February 1 and returned to Minneapolis. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said at the time, "We cannot stop until Liam, and all the children ICE has detained, are back in their own beds."
During the original detention, ICE officers tried to place Liam with his mother who was at their home, but she reportedly refused to take custody of the child. Officers then detained both Liam and his father together.
The family remains in hiding despite their release. Some people falsely claimed they spotted Liam during the recent Super Bowl halftime show, but the family has stayed out of public view since returning home.
Liam's father says the boy continues to suffer psychological effects from the detention experience, showing how immigration enforcement can impact young children's mental health long after release.
The case shows how immigration enforcement affects young children's mental health. It highlights ongoing debates about family separations and detention policies that impact thousands of immigrant families across the country.
The family's legal status and any ongoing immigration proceedings remain unclear.
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