Texas agitators arrested outside Dilley ICE facility amid protest demanding Liam Ramos release

Chaos ensued outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Dilley, Texas, on Wednesday, when protesters mobilized to demand the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, clashing with state troopers. Authorities deployed crowd control measures to disperse the unruly mob. Several arrests were made.

The demonstration, which began around 2:30 pm, drew attention to the detainment of the young boy and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, an illegal immigrant from Ecuador who was arrested by ICE agents in Minneapolis last week. The incident, captured on bystander video, went viral due to false claims that ICE arrested the 5-year-old boy. It was revealed that Arias fled on foot in an attempt to escape arrest, leaving his young son behind unattended. Additionally, Liam's mother refused to take her son, resulting in the boy being placed in his father's care while in custody, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The pair was transferred to the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas.

Protesters gathered for a vigil and march to highlight what they described as inhumane conditions in family detention centers, a claim that DHS has disputed. As the demonstration intensified, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers issued dispersal orders. According to a statement from DPS Press Secretary Sheridan Nolen, approximately 150 demonstrators refused to leave, breached established barriers, and spat on officers. In response, troopers deployed less-lethal measures, including pepper balls and projectiles, to maintain order and ensure officer safety.

The scene was cleared by around 4 pm. Two individuals were arrested on charges including resisting arrest and interfering with public duties. No injuries were reported.

The protest occurred shortly after more than ten Democratic congressional leaders and local officials, including US Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, toured the facility. Castro met with Liam and his father for about 30 minutes and demanded their immediate release, according to local news.

Homeland Security said that Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias was residing in the US illegally after being released into the country by the Biden administration. He was apprehended during a targeted arrest. The federal agency reiterated that illegal immigrants have the option to utilize the CBP Home app, a taxpayer-funded self-deportation option that allows illegal immigrants to return legally.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.