Adrian Conejo Arias

Adrian Conejo Arias is an Ecuadorian asylum seeker residing in Minneapolis with his five-year-old son, Liam Conejo Ramos. They became the center of a high-profile immigration case after being detained by ICE in January 2026, sparking international outrage. The Trump administration sought their deportation, leading to legal challenges and public outcry. A federal judge initially ordered their release from a Texas detention center, where they were transferred after being detained in Minnesota. Congressman Joaquin Castro visited them and highlighted the emotional distress the detention caused Liam. While DHS denies retaliatory motives, lawyers for Conejo Arias have suggested the deportation efforts are politically driven. Despite being released and returning to Minnesota, the U.S. government continues to pursue their deportation, and Conejo Arias disputes government claims that he abandoned his son. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and asylum claims, particularly concerning children.