Top Headlines

Feeds

Infant With Bronchitis Deported to Mexico After Hospital Release, Authorities Say Cleared

Updated (20 articles)

Deportation Timeline and Judicial Order On Jan 21, 2026, Border Patrol agents intercepted Mireya Stefani Lopez‑Sanchez near Eagle Pass and transferred her to ICE custody [1]. A federal judge rejected her asylum claims and issued a final removal order on Feb 8, 2026, mandating her and her family’s departure [1]. The same day ICE escorted Lopez‑Sanchez, her 2‑month‑old son and his older sister out of the United States, sending the infant to Mexico [1].

Medical Condition and Clearance Assessment The infant, diagnosed with bronchitis, received nasal saline and a bulb syringe before removal [1]. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said pediatricians cleared the child as medically stable for travel [1]. The National Institute of Health defines bronchitis as inflammation of the lung airways causing cough, confirming the condition’s seriousness but not a contraindication to transport [1].

Political Context and ICE Detention Scrutiny The case emerged as ICE faces renewed criticism over child detentions under the Trump administration’s enforcement policies [1]. Images of 5‑year‑old Liam Conejo Ramos in a bunny hat, detained in Minnesota, have amplified public outcry [1]. Court filings from the previous year allege contaminated food, limited medical care, and prolonged detention of minors in ICE facilities [1].

Family’s Claims and Legislative Reaction Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro publicly asserted that the baby was unresponsive for several hours and that the deportation occurred despite the child’s illness [1]. Lopez‑Sanchez’s attorney corroborated the family’s account of the removal [1]. Castro’s statement has prompted calls for congressional oversight of ICE’s handling of pediatric cases [1].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 2024 – The Conejo family arrives legally from Ecuador, presents at a Texas port of entry, and files an asylum application, later receiving parole valid through April 2025 [5][6][8][9][11][12][18].

Jan 10, 2026 – Judge Jia Cobb issues a temporary restraining order blocking a new seven‑day notice rule, preventing several members of Congress from visiting ICE detention facilities [13].

Jan 20, 2026 – ICE agents arrest Adrian Conejo Arias and his 5‑year‑old son Liam outside their Columbia Heights home and transport them about 1,300 miles to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas [11][15][20].

Jan 22, 2026 – DHS states the operation targeted the father, not the child, asserting ICE did not specifically aim at Liam [3].

Jan 23, 2026 – Columbia Heights Superintendent Zena Stenvik alleges officers used Liam as “bait,” telling him to knock on his door, while ICE calls the claim an “abject lie” [9][12][19].

Jan 24, 2026 – Neighbors repeat the bait allegation; DHS maintains the father fled on foot and the child was left in a running vehicle [18].

Jan 25, 2026 – Dozens of protesters gather outside the Dilley detention center, chanting “Libertad” and demanding the boy’s release [17].

Jan 27, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issues a temporary order halting any removal or transfer of Liam and his father while the case proceeds [7][16].

Jan 31, 2026 – Judge Biery orders the immediate release of the boy and his father, setting a deadline of Feb 3 for their freedom [2][11][15][20].

Feb 1, 2026 – In his release order, Judge Biery condemns the “ill‑conceived… daily deportation quotas,” citing the Declaration of Independence and biblical passages [1][6].

Feb 1, 2026 – Congressman Joaquin Castro personally escorts the family back to Minneapolis, announcing their safe return on social media [1][6][10].

Feb 2, 2026 – Liam and his father arrive in Minnesota, reuniting with their family; Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan praise the decision as a “huge relief” [5][14].

Feb 2, 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Justice Department will review options and may appeal the release order [5].

Feb 8, 2026 – A judge orders the removal of a 2‑month‑old infant with bronchitis to Mexico; the family’s attorney confirms the deportation [4].

Feb 19, 2026 – The infant is deported to Mexico after being medically cleared, prompting further criticism of ICE’s child‑detention practices [4].

Future (2026) – The DOJ signals an appeal that could reach appellate courts or the Supreme Court, while the Trump administration continues “Operation Metro Surge” immigration enforcement in Minneapolis [5][2].

Social media (10 posts)

Dive deeper (18 sub-stories)

All related articles (20 articles)

External resources (13 links)