Immigrant Families Unite: Protests Erupt Over Detained 5-Year-Old in Texas

Outcry from Dilley: Immigrant Families Demand Justice and Liberty

In a poignant display of unity and resistance, dozens of immigrant families protested on January 24, 2026, behind the fences of the South Texas Family Residential Center. Their demonstration was sparked by the contentious detainment of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who were apprehended in Minnesota earlier that week. The situation around their detainment has ignited widespread outrage, as families, advocates, and supporters rallied to demand their release.

What Sparked the Protest? A History of Discontent

The protest, which echoed with chants of “Libertad!” or “Let us go,” was not merely a reaction to Liam's detention but a culmination of ongoing dissatisfaction with U.S. immigration policies, particularly those enacted during the Trump administration. With reports emerging that federal officers allegedly used Liam as bait to capture his father, families within the facility voiced their anguish over the treatment of detainees, highlighting pervasive issues of mistreatment and degradation inside these centers.

A Deeper Look: Conditions Inside the Dilley Facility

Accounts from immigration attorney Eric Lee, who witnessed the chaos unfold as guards abruptly ordered everyone to leave the waiting area, shed light on the conditions that prompted the protest. As he recounted, the atmosphere inside the facility is far from conducive to family well-being. Reports from detainees describe unsanitary living conditions, including food contamination and insufficient medical care. Such descriptions have painted the South Texas Family Residential Center not just as a detention facility but as a punitive environment that is distressingly unfit for children.

Media and Public Response: The Outcry Grows

The media's role in amplifying voices of dissent cannot be overlooked. Following the protest, major outlets reported on the bold stand taken by families, demonstrating both the courage and desperation of those seeking justice. The media coverage surrounding Liam's case has pressed government officials to respond, though the Department of Homeland Security has disputed claims about the circumstances of his apprehension. This adds to an already tense atmosphere as the conflicting narratives push advocates to demand accountability and reform.

The Broader Implications: Immigration Policy and Community Impact

Liam's detainment is reflective of a larger national conversation surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety, especially in light of recent violent incidents involving federal officers. The shooting deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis by federal agents underscore fears among immigrant communities regarding their safety and treatment under current immigration policies. Demonstrators are not only calling for the release of families like the Conejo Ramos' but are also advocating for systemic changes to prevent such traumatic events from occurring in the future.

Moving Forward: Strength in Solidarity

As protests continue to grow both locally and nationally, they present a clear message: families and communities affected by immigration policies are determined to fight for their rights and dignity. The courage shown by those detained, especially children, emphasizes the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. Advocates and organizations are encouraged to build coalitions that uplift these families and challenge prevailing narratives, making room for voices that have been long marginalized.

The events at Dilley serve as a rallying cry for change, a potent reminder of the humanity in immigration and the vital necessity for reform. This moment not only demands awareness but calls on communities to engage, reflect, and respond to the needs of those unjustly affected.