Immigrant Families Rally at Texas Facility: The Case of Liam Conejo Ramos

Outcry Over Immigration Detention in Texas

In a poignant display of solidarity, immigrant families protested on January 24, 2026, at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The protest erupted following the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who were apprehended by U.S. immigration officials in Minnesota earlier that week. The detention has sparked outrage across the nation, reigniting contentious debates surrounding immigration policies under the Trump administration.

The Situation Unfolds

Demonstrators at the facility carried signs reading “Libertad para los niños” and echoed chants of “Libertad!” or “Let us go.” Lawyer Eric Lee, who was present for a client visit, described the atmosphere as tense but marked by the courage of the families involved. Lee admitted he was taken aback by the children’s urgent calls for freedom, which they viewed as a protest against their detention conditions and the treatment of Liam Ramos.

The chaotic scene unfolded rapidly; immigration officials abruptly ordered visitors to vacate the premises just as detainees began to gather and voice their grievances. According to Lee, children began to move toward open areas, visibly upset and demanding better treatment. Families had come together, unified by a desperate wish for dignity in the face of an ever-tightening immigration system.

The Backstory: How Did We Get Here?

The plight of Liam Conejo Ramos began when federal immigration agents responded to a report of his father’s alleged detainment. Accounts vary, with some claiming that the authorities used the child as bait to lure his mother to the door, while Homeland Security officials contested those assertions, claiming their primary focus was on apprehending the father. Regardless of the differing narratives, this incident underscores the challenges faced by immigrant families, caught in the crosshairs of a complex and often cruel immigration system.

Poor Conditions Amid Protests

The protest is not only about Liam. Families in the Dilley facility have reported concerning conditions, with allegations of unsanitary environments, inadequate medical care, and insufficient food quality. Reports indicate that meals served at the facility have included unappetizing ingredients, and many families have expressed frustration over their prolonged detention without adequate legal representation or resources.

Maria Alejandra Montoya Sanchez, a mother detained at the facility since October, captured the sentiment during the protest. She stated, “We’re immigrants, with children, not criminals,” expressing a desire for humane treatment under the law. Her sentiments are echoed by many within the facility who feel the weight of uncertainty as they navigate a system that seems increasingly hostile.

A Broader Context of Fear

The protests fall in line with rising tensions following recent violent incidents involving immigration enforcement in the U.S. Just hours before the Dilley protest, a federal immigration officer fatally shot a man in Minneapolis, incidentally heightening anxieties within immigrant communities nationwide. The aftermath of this violence has sparked protests across the country, signaling a growing resistance to harsh immigration enforcement policies.

The Outlook: What Next?

As the protests continue to unfold, the call for release of Liam Ramos resonates not just as an appeal for one boy, but as a representation of a broader fight for immigrant rights. Advocacy groups are rallying behind the affected families, urging lawmakers to reconsider policies that result in such dire circumstances. Activists argue that this situation could catalyze a larger movement for reform and compassion in immigration practices.

In a time where immigration remains a polarizing topic, the push for transparency and accountability becomes ever more critical. Various organizations are mobilizing resources to support impacted families and push for transformative policies that prioritize human dignity.

Conclusion: Join the Conversation

The heartfelt cries for liberty heard at the South Texas Family Residential Center echo the urgency of addressing humanitarian concerns within the immigration system. As this situation develops, supporting humane policies and practices is paramount. Becoming involved, whether through advocacy or education, can help steer the conversation toward a more empathetic approach to immigration.

For those interested in learning more about how these issues affect your community, and what you can do to help, seek out local organizations working on immigration rights. Together, we can support a transformed approach grounded in dignity and humanity.