SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A federal judge ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from a Texas detention center, drawing public attention to the controversial practices of U.S. immigration enforcement.
The case spotlights the ongoing debate surrounding the immigration policies of the Biden administration, particularly in light of recent protests stemming from images of Liam Conejo Ramos with a Spiderman backpack and bunny hat being apprehended in Minnesota.
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery stated in his ruling that the actions taken by federal agencies are rooted in a poorly conceived and executed policy aimed at meeting daily deportation quotas, even at the expense of traumatizing children.
Previously, a court decision barred the removal of the boy and Adrian Conejo Arias, his father, from the U.S., at least for the time being. Advocacy groups have criticized immigration operations for allegedly using children as “bait,” a claim the Department of Homeland Security has denied, labeling it as 'an abject lie.'
Upon their detention, conditions at the facility raised considerable concern among lawmakers and the public, with reports from those held there indicating issues such as worms in food, lack of clean water, and insufficient medical care.
During a visit on January 28 by Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, the emotional toll on Liam was evident as he fell asleep in his father's arms, highlighting the severity of his predicament while detained among 1,100 individuals.
The order for release marks an important step in addressing the treatment of families in detention and represents a significant victory for advocates fighting against harsh immigration enforcement measures.
