Castro, Democrats visit Dilley Detention Center to meet detained 5-year-old, father
The visit centers on Liam Conejo Ramos, whose image has circulated widely online and sparked national concern about the detention of minors. Attorneys say Liam and his father were transferred to the Dilley detention center, located about 85 miles southwest of San Antonio. (SBG San Antonio)
DILLEY, Texas - Rep. Joaquin Castro visited 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, alongside his father, who are being held in a ICE Detention facility in Dilley, Texas, after having been detained.
The visit centers on Liam Conejo Ramos, whose image has circulated widely online and sparked national concern about the detention of minors. Attorneys say Liam and his father were transferred to the Dilley detention center, located about 85 miles southwest of San Antonio.
A news conference held on the steps of San Antonio City Hall drew several dozen people, including members of Congress, to advocate for the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos from an ICE facility in Dilley.
Congressman Joaquin Castro, who visited Ramos and his father at the facility, shared a photo of the visit on social media.
"I told him we would do anything that we could to get him out of there. I demanded from ICE they release him. I told them that most of America wants Liam released. And he should be released immediately," Castro said.
The event, dubbed "Bring Liam Home," highlighted the plight of Ramos, who was taken into custody in Minnesota and brought to Texas.
Representative Tony Gonzales, whose district includes San Antonio and Dilley, has visited the facility multiple times and disputes claims of harsh conditions.
"To be frank, it is in better condition than some of our schools here in San Antonio," Gonzales said, noting the presence of a school, church, and soccer field within the facility.
Gonzales acknowledged the right to peaceful protest against ICE but cautioned against rioting. The gathering underscored the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the treatment of detainees in ICE facilities.
RELATED: Lawmakers to visit Dilley detention center amid growing concerns over child detainee
The visit comes amid sharply conflicting accounts from federal officials, advocates and lawmakers about how detainees are being treated.
Tensions have escalated in recent days, with protests reported both inside and outside the center. Over the weekend, detainees demonstrated within the facility’s fences, holding signs reading “Libertad para los niños,” or “Freedom for the children.” Advocacy groups are also mobilizing, with a vigil and protest planned outside the center today that organizers say could draw several hundred people.
Advocates, including leaders with the League of United Latin American Citizens and Mi Familia Vota, allege unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care and insufficient food for detainees, claims echoed in court filings.
The Department of Homeland Security has disputed those allegations, saying inspections show detainees receive meals, clean water, medical care and basic necessities.
Castro has said the visit is about accountability and transparency, and that his office is working to ensure the child’s safety and push for his release.













