Story perspectives

Judge Denies Asylum for 5-Year-Old in Viral Case

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal immigration judge in New York denied the asylum claims of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, who were detained during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
The family, originally from Ecuador, is appealing the decision, which may result in their deportation.
The case gained national attention after a viral photo of Liam in a bunny hat.
Critics, including Columbia Heights Public Schools, accused ICE of using Liam as "bait" during the arrest.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the family received due process, while the family's attorney expressed disappointment over the ruling.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, abolished national origin quotas that had favored Northern and Western Europeans since the 1920s. This landmark legislation led to a significant increase in immigration from Latin America and Asia, with over 300,000 Ecuadorians migrating to the U.S. by 1970, reshaping the nation's demographic landscape and influencing ongoing immigration debates today.

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Story summary

A federal immigration judge in New York denied the asylum claims of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, who were detained during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
The family, originally from Ecuador, is appealing the decision, which may result in their deportation.
The case gained national attention after a viral photo of Liam in a bunny hat.
Critics, including Columbia Heights Public Schools, accused ICE of using Liam as "bait" during the arrest.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the family received due process, while the family's attorney expressed disappointment over the ruling.

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