U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said the Trump administration is seeking expedited deportation of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, days after a federal judge ordered their release from immigration detention. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, says the case is following standard removal procedures.
Detention and Release
Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained by federal agents during a raid in Minnesota and transferred to a Texas detention facility. They returned to Minneapolis after a judge ordered their release. The family has a pending asylum case and no prior deportation order, according to earlier reports.
Dispute Over Deportation Process
Castro criticized the administration’s actions, claiming the Department of Justice filed for expedited deportation and warning it could separate the child from stability after what he described as trauma during detention at the Dilley facility.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin disputed that characterization, stating the family is not in expedited removal and that the proceedings are routine enforcement of immigration law.
Case Postponed as School Officials Advocate
An immigration judge granted the family a continuance during a hearing Friday, delaying further action in the case. Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik said district leaders remain focused on the child’s well-being, emphasizing the importance of safety, stability and access to education.
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