On January 31, 2026, a Texas federal judge ordered the release of Adrian Conejo Arias and his son Liam Conejo Ramos from detention, following a habeas corpus application. Both are immigrants who the authorities claim are illegal; however, the father argues that they entered the country legally through a humanitarian assistance program. The case gained publicity due to a well-known photo of the father and son, captured on January 20, 2026, as they were detained after leaving a daycare facility.

Witnesses from the neighborhood reported that ICE agents attempted to lure other family members out of their homes using young Liam, but those attempts were not successful. The concept of habeas corpus is vital in ensuring individual rights against unlawful detention. It serves as a legal safeguard allowing individuals to challenge the legality of their detention, underscoring the ongoing importance of individual rights within the U.S. legal system, even amidst rigorous immigration enforcement actions.

This case illustrates the tensions between immigration enforcement and individual rights in the U.S., highlighting the role of the judiciary in protecting those rights. The judge's ruling signifies a commitment to the legal principle of habeas corpus and represents a noteworthy decision in the broader context of immigration law and the rights of non-citizens. It reinforces the idea that systemic protections remain in place to counterbalance state authority and protect individuals against unlawful detention.