Protest for Liberty: Immigrant Families Stand Up Against Detention

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:54:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Families rally in Dilley, Texas, demanding humane treatment and justice for children held in detention, following the controversial arrest of a young boy and his father.

On a chilly Saturday in Texas, dozens of immigrant families protested outside the South Texas Family Residential Center, advocating for the release of detained children including 5-year-old Liam and his father. The families, voicing their struggles and demanding dignity, chanted for freedom as reported mistreatment drew attention to conditions in detention facilities. The protest highlighted the ongoing national debate on immigration policies and the treatment of non-criminal immigrants in the U.S.

In a powerful display of solidarity, immigrant families protested behind the fences of a Texas detention center, demanding the release of children under harsh conditions.

Accompanied by chants of 'Libertad!' or 'Let us go,' families gathered outside the South Texas Family Residential Center, spurred by the recent detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father. Dressed for the cold, the crowd waved signs calling for 'Liberty for the kids,' embodying their pleas for humane treatment.

Maria Alejandra Montoya Sanchez, among those detained, articulated their message—'We’re immigrants, with children, not criminals.' Families expressed their frustration over long detentions and alleged poor living conditions, including insufficient medical access and unsatisfactory food quality.

Attorney Eric Lee noted the courageous act of the families protesting under the threat of retribution, showcasing their demand for dignity in desperate conditions.

The situation reflects ongoing tensions and divisions within U.S. immigration policies, calling for urgent attention and reform. Amid rising advocacy, the plight of families in detention remains a critical issue for human rights across the nation.