(The Epoch Times)—A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father after the detention of the boy’s father last week in a Minnesota suburb.
U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued the order Monday, prohibiting the removal or transfer of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias from the country while their court case continues. The pair are being held at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, southwest of San Antonio.
The arrest of the boy’s father took place Jan. 20 outside their home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, shortly after the child came home from preschool.
School officials issued a news release on Jan. 21 claiming that federal immigration agents apprehended the child and used him as “bait” to gain entry into the home.
According to Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents refused to let another adult living in the home care for the small child while his father was detained outside.
“Instead, the agent took the child out of the still-running vehicle, led him to the door, and directed him to knock—asking to be let in to see if anyone else was home—essentially using a 5-year-old as bait,” said Stenvik, according to the release.
Liam’s middle-school brother found both father and brother missing 20 minutes later, the superintendent said.
The Department of Homeland Security has called the portrayal of the events an “abject lie.”
“ICE did NOT target, arrest a child or use a child as ‘bait,’” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said on X. “ICE law enforcement officers were the only people primarily concerned with the welfare of this child.”
Conejo Arias fled on foot as agents approached, leaving the boy behind in the vehicle, DHS says. An agent stayed with the child for safety while other agents pursued the father.
McLaughlin also said that officers “made multiple attempts to get the alleged mother who was inside the house to take custody of her child,” but she refused.
“During this situation, agitators swarmed the scene and began yelling and blowing horns, scaring the child,” she said.
DHS notes that parents facing removal can choose to be deported with their children or arrange alternative care, which aligns with the policies of previous administrations.
Agents heeded the father’s wishes to keep the boy with him, McLaughlin said. DHS noted that officers “even got the child McDonald’s and played his favorite music. Father and son are together at Dilley.”
Federal officials say Conejo Arias is in the country illegally, with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller clarifying that the man entered the country in December 2024.
The family’s attorney, Jennifer Scarborough, says he has a pending asylum claim that permits him to stay in the country.
A neighbor recalled hearing pleas from inside the home as the agents were begged not to take the boy. The school district showed pictures of the child being led away, leading to protests at detention facilities in Texas.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that ICE has arrested 10,000 criminal illegal immigrants as of Jan. 19, many “killing Americans, hurting children, and reigning terror in Minneapolis.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.