Federal Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old Boy and Father from ICE Custody

Federal Judge Orders Release from ICE Custody

• ⚖️ A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Kjo Ramos, and his father from federal immigration custody by Tuesday, Feb. 3.
• 🏛️ Judge Fred Berry of Texas, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, criticized the Trump administration's pursuit of deportation quotas, stating it traumatized children.

Circumstances of Detention

• 🇪🇨 The father allegedly entered the US illegally from Ecuador in December 2024, while he had a pending asylum case.
• 📍 The father and son were detained near Minneapolis nearly two weeks prior to the ruling.
• 🗣️ A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson claimed the father attempted to flee and abandon the boy, which the family's attorney disputes.

Reactions to the Ruling

• 📰 Images of the boy in a snow hat with a Spider-Man backpack led to public backlash against the immigration operation.
• 🗣️ Texas Congress members visited the father and son, reporting the boy was not eating well and was frequently tired.
• 🎤 Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated it shouldn't require a court order to release a toddler from prison.
• 📣 Senator Amy Klobuchar emphasized the boy's mother is waiting and it's time for him to come home and for ICE to leave Minnesota.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump, aboard Air Force One, did not comment directly on the release but reiterated his administration's stance on cracking down on illegal immigration.
• 🏫 The school district where Liam attends expressed happiness with the ruling.