Parents Say Child In Viral Bunny Hat ICE Arrest Is ‘Very Different’ Now

Apr 09, 2026 by apost team

The parents of Liam Conejo Ramos said their young son continues to show signs of emotional distress following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an incident that sparked widespread attention and concern.

Liam, who was 5 years old at the time, was taken into custody alongside his father while returning home from preschool in January 2026 in Minnesota. According to interviews with CBS News, the event has had a lasting impact on the child’s behavior and sense of safety.

“As parents, it worries us a lot that he’s no longer as he was before and we’re worried this could last a long time,” his father, Adrián Conejo Arias, said. “It does worry us that this will not heal quickly.”

“My boy is very different,” his mother, Erika Ramos, added.

Images from the incident circulated widely, showing Liam still wearing his backpack and a bright blue floppy bunny hat, which contributed to public discussion about the effects of immigration enforcement on children. Following the detention, Liam and his father were transferred to a family detention facility in Texas, where they remained for nearly two weeks before being released.

Since returning home, Liam has been receiving psychological care. His parents report that he has begun exhibiting signs of fear and heightened alertness, particularly around law enforcement. “He sees police officers, and he says, ‘It's ICE, Mommy,’” Ramos explained.

According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, children who experience traumatic events may develop anxiety, fear responses, and behavioral changes, underscoring the importance of early support and intervention.

The experience of Liam highlights broader concerns about the psychological effects of stressful events on young children, particularly those involving separation or perceived danger. Experts note that such experiences can shape how children interpret their surroundings and respond to authority figures.

Liam’s parents said that since the incident, their son had become more withdrawn and reluctant to engage in everyday activities. They have sought professional support to help him process what happened and regain a sense of stability.

Mental health specialists emphasize that trauma in early childhood can manifest in different ways, including hypervigilance, fear of unfamiliar situations, and difficulty trusting others. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and various child development experts, consistent care, reassurance, and structured routines are key components in helping children recover.

The case has also drawn attention to immigration policies and their impact on families. Legal representatives for Liam’s family have stated that they entered the United States in 2024 through a scheduled appointment at a border crossing using the CBP One app, a system introduced to help manage asylum requests. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has described the program as part of broader efforts to create more orderly migration processes.

Accounts of the incident have varied. Immigration authorities have stated that Liam’s father attempted to evade agents, while he has denied that claim.

“I think it was an injustice that they did that to us, when in reality we were doing everything right,” Liam’s father told CBS News.

Public officials have acknowledged the emotional toll such situations can have on children. Statements addressing immigration enforcement have noted that while laws must be upheld, the impact on minors remains a serious concern.

For Liam’s family, the focus remains on recovery. They continue to monitor his progress and provide support as he adjusts. Their experience has become part of a wider conversation about how policy decisions intersect with child welfare.

As discussions continue, Liam’s story serves as a reminder of the human dimension behind complex legal and political issues. His parents hope that by sharing their experience, greater awareness of the needs of children facing similar circumstances can be raised.

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Stories like this remind us of the human side of policy decisions. What role should child welfare play in shaping laws? Let us know your thoughts, and then pass this article along to spark a thoughtful conversation.