In a case that has sparked widespread debate over immigration enforcement, the father of a five-year-old boy detained by U.S. immigration officials has publicly denied governmental allegations that he left his child behind while fleeing authorities last month. Adrian Conejo Arias, originally from Ecuador, refuted claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which stated that Arias abandoned his son Liam in a vehicle as he tried to evade capture.
Speaking upon their return to Minnesota, Arias asserted to ABC News his deep affection for Liam, emphasizing that abandoning his son was not an option he would accept. Arias further alleged that his son became ill during their time in federal custody in Texas but was not given necessary medication, a claim not addressed in the Homeland Security response.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended DHS actions, stating that Arias attempted to escape on foot before his detention, during which officials remained with the child. According to McLaughlin, Arias, who was in the country illegally, brought his son to a detention center voluntarily. She maintained, "The facts in this case have NOT changed: The father who was illegally in the country chose to take his child with him to a detention center." However, McLaughlin did not comment on the allegations regarding lack of medical care for Liam.
Arias contended his arrest was unjust and highlighted that he was pursuing legal asylum with a pending court hearing, positioning his presence in the U.S. as lawful. Following a federal judge's weekend order, both Arias and his son were freed and returned to Minnesota, a move confirmed by Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas.
This incident occurred amid a broader federal crackdown on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has triggered daily protests and violent confrontations, including the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis. The administration recently instructed its border chief to intensify enforcement, with Tom Homan acknowledging some mistakes but reaffirming agents' commitment to upholding the law and seeking cooperation from state and local authorities.
In response to mounting concerns, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body cameras would be issued immediately to all DHS officers in Minneapolis. President Trump supported the use of body cameras, citing their role in promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions.
Following the family's release, the local school Liam attends in Columbia Heights faced bomb threats, leading to canceled classes. Authorities found no hazardous devices, and classes were set to resume. The climate of fear extends beyond this incident; Principal Jason Kuhlman of Valley View Elementary reported numerous parents of enrolled students have been detained, leaving children without guardians. This has negatively impacted school attendance and heightened anxieties, with many parents reluctant to send children to school despite volunteer efforts to ensure safety during arrival and dismissal times. One particular day saw nearly 200 of the 570 students absent, a stark increase from usual absentee rates.
Liam's detention drew public horror especially due to images of the boy wearing a blue bunny hat and carrying a Spider-Man backpack while surrounded by immigration officers. The government stated that Arias entered the U.S. from Ecuador illegally in December 2024, while the family’s legal counsel argued that his valid pending asylum claim affords him the right to remain. Most asylum seekers in similar circumstances receive work permits during often lengthy court processes. Records show no future court hearings scheduled for Arias, according to immigration court dockets.
The family's situation gives hope to others facing similar ordeals. Luis Zuna highlighted the continued detention of his 10-year-old daughter Elizabeth and her mother Rosa at the same Texas facility, detained since January 6 while en route to a school bus stop. Zuna, also from Ecuador and residing in Minnesota for four years, expressed deep concern for his daughter, who dislikes the facility's meals, and hopes for their prompt reunion. School staff noted similar situations, though without public attention or images like those of Liam.
Adding to the scrutiny, Democratic Representative Kelly Morrison reported harsh and inhumane conditions inside the Minneapolis ICE detention facility. Morrison, also a physician, described deficient medical care with no nurses present, inadequate bedding, scant food, extreme cold, and detainees kept in locked cells with leg shackles. She and fellow Minnesota Representatives Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig were previously denied entry to the facility due to new administrative policies requiring a one-week notice, despite a federal judicial ruling blocking restrictions on congressional visits. A federal judge reinstated this restraining order after Homeland Security tried to reimplement the notice policy, affirming the lawmakers' probable victory in the case.
Separately, a federal judge allowed investigators to retain custody of evidence related to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, persuaded that federal agents would not tamper with the case materials.
This unfolding situation raises significant questions about immigration enforcement at both humanitarian and legal levels, as affected families seek reunification and fair treatment amid controversial policy implementation.