Adrian Conejo Arias, father of 5-year-old Liam, is speaking out against the U.S. government's claim that he abandoned his son during an immigration enforcement action. Arias, originally from Ecuador, told ABC News he loves Liam and would never leave him behind. He disputes statements from the Department of Homeland Security, which allege he fled before being detained, effectively leaving his child in a vehicle. Moreover, it was reported that Liam became ill while in custody and was denied medication.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin maintained that Arias abandoned his son, while Arias contended that he was in the U.S. legally and has a pending asylum application. Over the weekend, a federal judge ordered the release of both father and son, criticizing the government’s push for deportation quotas, even if it means harming children. This incident raises questions about the treatment of immigrants and the policies of family separation amid a crackdown on immigration.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin maintained that Arias abandoned his son, while Arias contended that he was in the U.S. legally and has a pending asylum application. Over the weekend, a federal judge ordered the release of both father and son, criticizing the government’s push for deportation quotas, even if it means harming children. This incident raises questions about the treatment of immigrants and the policies of family separation amid a crackdown on immigration.
