The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed plans to continue deporting 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, after their return to Minnesota. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, "These are regular removal proceedings. This is standard procedure, and there is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation’s immigration laws." The family’s lawyer argued that the government is seeking an expedited removal, calling it "retaliatory." Lawyer Danielle Molliver told Minnesota Public Radio, "It’s really frustrating as an attorney, because they keep throwing new obstacles in our way. There’s absolutely no reason that this should be expedited." Liam’s case has gained national attention since his detention on January 20. Photos showed Liam in floppy blue bunny ears and a Spiderman backpack being detained by immigration agents. Minnesota’s Columbia Heights Public School District accused officials of using Liam as “bait” for his father, while DHS claimed the father abandoned the child during arrest. Both sides deny each other's claims. Liam and his father, who entered the US legally from Ecuador, were detained as they returned from preschool. They were sent from Minnesota to a Texas processing center. On January 27, Judge Fred Biery ordered their release pending their challenge to deportation, stating they "seek nothing more than some modicum of due process and the rule of law." Since December, President Donald Trump’s administration launched Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, deploying up to 3,000 agents. The operation faced criticism after the deaths of two US citizens in encounters with immigration agents and videos showing harsh tactics. In response, the administration announced the withdrawal of nearly 700 agents. Liam’s case remains a key issue amid this immigration crackdown.