Five-Year-Old Liam Ramos and Father Return Home After ICE Detention

Nearly two weeks after being detained by ICE agents, five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, Adrian Arias, have returned home to Minnesota, reuniting with their family and community.

The pair were taken into custody by immigration authorities at their home in Columbia Heights as Liam was getting out of school. They were later transferred to an immigration detention facility in Dilley, Texas, where they remained for almost two weeks.

On Sunday, Liam and his father landed back in Minnesota after a judge ordered their release. Their return sparked an emotional reunion with loved ones and community members who had been advocating for their freedom.

Columbia Heights Mayor Amara Marquez-Simila expressed gratitude for the family’s return but noted that their recovery will take time. She said the community is prepared to support them as they heal from the trauma of detention.

Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas confirmed Liam’s return in a social media post, sharing that the young boy was back home with his recognizable hat and backpack that had become symbols of his story.

Local neighbor Ed Higgins, who documents federal enforcement activity in the area, said residents have felt fearful and stressed by ongoing operations in the neighborhood.

The Columbia Heights Public School District released a statement calling Liam’s release an important development and expressing hope for progress for other students still being held in Texas. District officials noted that four other local students remain detained at the Dilley facility.

While thankful for the reunion, community leaders say their work is not finished. Mayor Marquez-Simila emphasized that the goal is to see all affected families safely reunited.

“We’re not done until our families come home,” she said.