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5-Year-Old's Health Declines in ICE Facility
29 Jan
Summary
- Preschooler Liam Ramos is ill with a fever in Texas detention.
- His mother reports poor food quality causing vomiting and pain.
- A federal judge temporarily blocked deportation for Ramos and his father.
A young child, identified as 5-year-old Liam Ramos, is reportedly in poor health while detained with his father at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. Zena Stenvik, the superintendent of Ramos' school district in Columbia Heights, expressed deep concern after speaking with the boy's mother. Stenvik noted that Liam has a fever and has been ill.
Liam's mother detailed his deteriorating condition, stating he suffers from stomach pain, vomiting, and a fever, and has lost his appetite due to the alleged poor quality of food provided at the facility. The family's attorney has not yet commented. Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, are being held despite Arias having entered the country legally and possessing no criminal record.
This situation prompted a federal judge to issue a temporary block on their deportation late Tuesday. Meanwhile, conditions at the Dilley facility have been described as "absolutely abysmal" by attorney Eric Lee, who represents other families there. Lee cited instances of spoiled formula and verbally abusive guards, and recounted a case of a child with appendicitis being told to return in three days.
On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro visited the facility and met with Liam and his father. He shared an image of the child appearing weak in his father's arms and publicly called for their release, emphasizing the support they have from their community.
