5-year-old boy and father return to Minnesota after release from immigration custody

A 5-year-old boy whose photo in a blue hat and Spider-Man backpack became a viral symbol of criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement is back home after being released from an immigration facility in Texas.

Liam Conejo Ramos was taken into custody with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, on Jan. 20 after they encountered immigration agents upon returning home from Liam’s preschool. The case drew widespread condemnation and international headlines as the image of Liam in his blue hat and Spider-Man backpack spread online.

The father and son were transferred to a facility in Texas, where congressional representatives were able to make a visit to check on them. Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas told PBS News Friday that Liam hadn’t been eating well and “he’s been very depressed.”

Castro wrote in a post on X on Sunday that he picked up the father and son on Saturday night and escorted them back to Minnesota on Sunday morning.

“Liam is now home,” Castro said. “With his hat and his backpack. Thank you to everyone who demanded freedom for Liam. We won’t stop until all children and families are home.”