A US federal judge has ordered the immediate release from an immigration detention center in Texas of a 5-year-old boy and his father, who have been held for over six weeks after being detained by ICE in Minnesota.
The decision comes as part of a scathing critique of the Trump administration's approach to enforcing immigration laws. The judge, Fred Biery, stated that the family's detention was "traumatizing" and that the government's pursuit of deportation quotas had led to the ill-conceived targeting of innocent children.
Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained along with his father Adrian Conejo Arias, a native of Ecuador, was reportedly used as "bait" by ICE officers in an attempt to apprehend him. However, the government has disputed this account, claiming that the father fled on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle.
The family's lawyer claims that Mr. Arias has a pending asylum claim, which would allow him to remain in the US. The case highlights concerns over the treatment of detained families at immigration centers, with reports of poor conditions, including worms in food, fighting for clean water, and inadequate medical care.
As part of his ruling, Judge Biery referenced American historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, suggesting that the Trump administration's actions echo those that led to domestic insurrection against England. He also included a photo of Liam with references to biblical passages about protecting children.
The release is expected by Tuesday and comes as part of a growing trend of federal judges taking a tougher stance on ICE enforcement in recent months.
The decision comes as part of a scathing critique of the Trump administration's approach to enforcing immigration laws. The judge, Fred Biery, stated that the family's detention was "traumatizing" and that the government's pursuit of deportation quotas had led to the ill-conceived targeting of innocent children.
Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained along with his father Adrian Conejo Arias, a native of Ecuador, was reportedly used as "bait" by ICE officers in an attempt to apprehend him. However, the government has disputed this account, claiming that the father fled on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle.
The family's lawyer claims that Mr. Arias has a pending asylum claim, which would allow him to remain in the US. The case highlights concerns over the treatment of detained families at immigration centers, with reports of poor conditions, including worms in food, fighting for clean water, and inadequate medical care.
As part of his ruling, Judge Biery referenced American historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, suggesting that the Trump administration's actions echo those that led to domestic insurrection against England. He also included a photo of Liam with references to biblical passages about protecting children.
The release is expected by Tuesday and comes as part of a growing trend of federal judges taking a tougher stance on ICE enforcement in recent months.