Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Detention of Five-Year-Old Boy in Dilley, Texas
1/29/2026, 11:10:53 PM
Escalating Tensions Outside the Dilley ICE Facility
On January 28, 2026, protests erupted outside the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, in response to the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) deployed approximately 40 troopers in riot gear to manage the situation as tensions escalated between demonstrators and law enforcement. Protesters, numbering around 150, gathered to demand the release of the child, who was taken into custody after his father was apprehended by federal agents in Minnesota. The protest intensified when DPS troopers used chemical irritants, including pepper ball projectiles, to disperse the crowd, leading to confrontations and arrests.
Background on Liam's Detention
Liam and his father were detained after federal agents followed standard enforcement procedures, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The case has drawn significant national attention, particularly after images of Liam, still wearing his Spider-Man backpack, circulated widely online. Advocates argue that the detention of children in such facilities is inhumane, citing reports of unsanitary conditions and inadequate medical care. The Dilley facility, managed by CoreCivic, has been a focal point in the ongoing debate over family immigration detention practices.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the protests, the DPS stated that their actions were necessary to maintain order and ensure officer safety. They claimed that demonstrators began to breach established protest barriers, prompting the use of less-lethal measures. Meanwhile, U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett, who visited the facility, described the conditions as "inhumane," noting that Liam appeared lethargic and depressed. Castro emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, calling for the immediate release of Liam and other children detained at the facility.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the detention practices have included local lawmakers and immigration advocates who argue that the treatment of children in detention is unacceptable. State Representative Josey Garcia highlighted the emotional toll on families, stating, "Children are being impacted and families are being impacted by a process that’s severely broken." Conversely, Congressman Tony Gonzales defended the facility, claiming it is "state of the art" and better than some local schools, asserting that the focus should be on securing the border and addressing illegal immigration.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the conditions inside the Dilley facility. While advocates report unsanitary conditions and inadequate care, DHS maintains that inspections confirm detainees receive necessary services. Additionally, there are conflicting accounts about the circumstances surrounding Liam's detention, with some alleging that he was used as "bait" during his father's arrest, a claim DHS has denied.
What's Next
The situation remains fluid as protests continue and legal proceedings unfold. A federal judge has issued a temporary order preventing the removal or transfer of Liam and his father while litigation is ongoing. Lawmakers and advocates are expected to maintain pressure on federal authorities to address the conditions at the Dilley facility and advocate for the release of detained children.
