The emotional toll of immigration enforcement has come to the forefront in the case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose behaviour has dramatically changed following a distressing encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His parents, Adrián Conejo Arias and Erika Ramos, expressed deep concern over their son’s mental health after he and his father were detained outside their home in Minneapolis in January 2026.
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According to Adrián, Liam is “no longer as he was before.” The family’s trauma began on January 20 when ICE agents apprehended them in their driveway after returning home from preschool. Photographs capturing the moment, which portrayed Liam still donning his bunny-eared hat and backpack, circulated widely and incited public outrage, as the separation of the father and son unfolded before witnesses.
Since that day, the emotional repercussions have been significant. Erika reported that Liam now exhibits signs of hypervigilance. “He sees police officers, and he says, ‘It’s ICE, Mommy,’” she shared, highlighting her son’s heightened state of anxiety. The couple is now grappling with how to support Liam, who has been demonstrating behaviours that starkly contrast with his former self.
Following the incident, both Liam and his father were transported to a family detention centre in Dilley, Texas, where they spent nearly two weeks before a judge ordered their release. Despite being back home, Liam’s struggles continue as he regularly attends psychological counselling. His parents noted a pervasive fear that has overtaken their son’s former carefree spirit.
Adrián expressed his worries, stating, “It does worry us that this will not heal quickly.” He emphasised that the changes in Liam’s behaviour are alarming for both himself and Erika. “My boy is very different,” Erika added, vividly illustrating the changes their child has undergone since the traumatic event.
ICE previously asserted that Adrián had abandoned Liam during the incident, a claim he adamantly refuted. “It’s not true what people are saying,” he declared, expressing his commitment to always prioritising his son’s safety. The implications of his detainment have raised questions about the treatment of families during immigration enforcement operations.
Commenting on the broader context, Vice President JD Vance defended ICE’s actions during a press conference shortly after Liam’s detention, stating he was proud of the administration’s law enforcement stance. He acknowledged the trauma inflicted on children but maintained that parents must face legal consequences regardless of their familial status.
The Conejo Ramos family entered the United States legally as asylum seekers in 2024. They used the CBP One app, designed to facilitate orderly processing at the border and thus reduce illegal crossings. Their story highlights the complexities and often traumatic nature of the immigration system, and the psychological impact such enforcement can have on young children.
As this case underscores the struggles faced by immigrant families, many advocate for a need to address mental health repercussions in the aftermath of such detentions. The Conejo Ramos family remains hopeful that through therapy and support, Liam can begin to recover from the trauma he has experienced.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this case, leaving unanswered questions about the administration’s policies and support measures for families affected by immigration enforcement. As dialogues on immigration and mental health continue, the story of Liam Conejo Ramos serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind statistics and policies.