The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an image of Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, the father of a 5-year-old boy, who reportedly abandoned his son while fleeing from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. This incident has ignited significant political debate regarding immigration enforcement practices, with allegations from some officials claiming the child was unfairly targeted.
On March 15, 2024, DHS confirmed that the father was the primary target of the operation, not the child. According to DHS officials, law enforcement remained with the boy, Liam Ramos, ensuring his welfare following the abandonment. The DHS stated that while Conejo Arias fled from officers, they provided care for the child, including meals and comfort until a resolution could be reached.
Conejo Arias, an Ecuadorian citizen who entered the United States illegally, was reportedly released into the U.S. under the Biden administration. However, the DHS has no record of him or his family using the Biden-era CBP One application to enter the country, as claimed by the family attorney. Officials indicated that Conejo Arias had the option of voluntary return to leave the U.S. without immigration consequences but chose not to pursue that option.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, especially among Democrats. Zena Stenvik, superintendent of the Columbia Heights school district, accused law enforcement of using Ramos as “bait” during the operation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar shared images of the child online, alleging that he was apprehended by ICE while returning home from preschool. However, DHS officials clarified that officers approached Conejo Arias, prompting him to flee and leave his son behind.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed concern over the incident, stating, “This little boy was abandoned by his own father. His own father was being approached by ICE agents when he darted, ran, and abandoned the child.” McLaughlin further detailed that, despite efforts to reunite Ramos with his mother, she refused to take him back.
During a press conference, Marcos Charles, Executive Assistant Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations at ICE, reiterated that the agency’s focus was solely on Conejo Arias. He noted, “My officers stayed with the child. They cared for him. Took him to get something to eat from a drive-thru restaurant and spent hours ensuring he was taken care of.” He added that the family declined to accept custody when officers approached their residence.
DHS confirmed that both the father and son are currently detained together at the Dilley Detention Center in Texas, which accommodates families. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas announced plans to visit the detention center to oversee the situation and ensure the well-being of Liam. She expressed her outrage over the handling of the case, stating her heart aches for the family and emphasizing the need for accountability from immigration authorities.
The response from the community and political leaders underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding immigration enforcement practices, particularly in cases involving children. As this story develops, it remains a focal point of discussion regarding the treatment of families within the immigration system and the responsibilities of law enforcement in such sensitive situations.
