Boy, 5, Traumatized by Deportation Fight, Lawyer Says

Young Asylum Seeker Faces Deportation After Judge Denies Claim

A five-year-old boy named Liham Conejo Ramos, who became a symbol of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, is fighting deportation again. Lawyers for Liham and his family have filed an appeal after an immigration judge rejected their asylum request and ordered them to leave the United States for Ecuador. The family’s legal team argues that the judge made a decision without hearing the full case.

Family Detained, Released, and Now Facing Removal

Liham and his father were detained in January at their home in Minneapolis. They spent 10 days in a detention center in Texas before their release. According to one of the family’s lawyers, Pascal Wacocha, Liham is back in school, but both he and his father have been deeply affected by their time in detention. The experience has left them shaken.

Judge’s Decision Sparks Controversy

Pascal Wacocha, one of the lawyers representing Liham’s family, explained the judge’s reasoning. The judge denied the asylum claim based on two main points. First, the judge cited a law called the “cooperative agreement,” which suggests the family could seek protection in other countries, including Honduras. Second, the judge believed the evidence presented at that time was not enough for the family to proceed with their asylum case.

“Tragedy in the sense that the family has not had a chance to present the merits of the asylum application for the judge. They have not had the process to present… for the judge to hear their case and make a decision.”

Pascal Wacocha, Attorney

Wacocha emphasized that the family never had a chance to give testimony or present their full story to the judge. The judge terminated the asylum application before the lawyers could detail the family’s situation and reasons for seeking protection. This means the judge ruled against them without hearing their testimony or seeing all the evidence.

The Difficult Path to Asylum

Winning an asylum case is generally very challenging. To be approved, individuals must prove they fear persecution or have already suffered it in their home country. This often requires testimony, documents, and other forms of proof presented to a judge.

Wacocha noted that asylum cases are difficult even in normal times. The judge assigned to Liham’s case has a particularly high denial rate, with about 96% of cases before him being rejected. This makes the situation even harder for families seeking protection.

Family’s Emotional State and Hope for the Future

Despite the difficult circumstances, the family is described as resilient. Liham is receiving help for the trauma he experienced. His mother, who is expecting a child, is managing, but the family feels immense pressure. Being in the public eye has made them fearful of law enforcement and wary of going out.

Liham, in particular, is traumatized and afraid of what might happen. His lawyers are working hard to support him and the family. They remain hopeful that they will eventually win their case and be allowed to stay in the United States. The family is focused on Liham’s well-being while continuing their legal fight.

Appeal Filed as Family Continues to Fight

The family’s lawyers have filed an appeal to fight the deportation order. They believe the judge’s decision was made in error and that the family deserves a chance to present their full asylum claim. The case highlights the complex and often emotional struggles faced by families seeking refuge in the United States.

What’s Next for Liham and His Family

The family’s legal team will now await the outcome of the appeal. This process could take time, and the family will continue to live with uncertainty. Their case brings attention to the challenges within the U.S. asylum system and the impact it has on young children and their families.

Source:  5-year-old boy facing deportation ‘traumatized’: lawyer (YouTube)