Today, our hearts are a little lighter. 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have been released from immigration detention and are back home together. A child is home. A family is reunited. And for one moment, compassion broke through cruelty.
This news was first shared publicly by Congressman Joaquín Castro, helping ensure the country knew what many of us had been fighting for, that Liam deserved freedom, safety, and the comfort of his father’s arms. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Castro for using his voice, his platform, and his leadership to shine a light on this injustice and help bring accountability where it was desperately needed.
In ordering Liam’s release, the federal judge issued a powerful reminder of what is at stake, writing:
“Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency. And the rule of law be damned.”
This was more than a court order, it was a recognition of the trauma inflicted on a child and a family who never should have been detained. While Liam and his father’s legal process continues, tonight they are together, free from cages, and surrounded by love. That matters more than words can say.
Here in Oregon, our work continues. We remain in close communication with the Crespo-Gonzalez family from Gresham, standing with them as they navigate their own painful and uncertain journey. We are also actively coordinating with Congressman Castro’s office and Congresswoman Dexter’s office to ensure coordination, awareness, and continued advocacy for families like theirs.
These are not isolated cases. These are families. These are children. And until no parent has to explain detention to a child, until no child has to ask why they can’t go home, we will keep showing up, with compassion, urgency, and unwavering resolve.
