Protesters slam Greg Abbott over 5-year-old held at Dilley ICE facility, say ‘Trump is not a king’

DILLEY, TEXAS: Protesters gathered outside the South Texas Family Residential Center to speak out against the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father. Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro and other protesters were present at the ICE detention facility in Dilley.

Protest leaders strongly condemned the situation and criticized Donald Trump, saying, "Who is not a king? Barely a president." They also slammed Texas Governor Greg Abbott, stating, "he opposes red flag laws. He says so because he's concerned about the due process rights of the gun owner". The leaders called for immediate action, demanding that authorities "release Liam and the families."

Liam was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. The incident occurred after he returned home from preschool with his father.

Protests demand release of Liam Conejo Ramos

One protester addressed the crowd, thanking those who showed up and speaking about growing frustration over the situation.

In a video from KENS5 News, the speaker said, "We're trying to think of something to say that hasn't already been said. So, let me give you a couple first. I want to thank all the people who are behind me for their presence. And for their courage, especially."

The speaker went on to acknowledge leadership at the national level and described the emotional toll of the issue, referring to his own experience as a parent. The protester then sharply criticized Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, accusing them of working together to enable these policies.

"I want to direct some of that anger, not just towards Trump. Who is not a king? Barely a president. But also to one of. Biggest. Accomplices. And that is Governor Greg Abbott. He wants nothing more than to get an attaboy and a pat on the head from Donald Trump, and in fact, the world we're living in now is something that Abbott has aspired to for a long time."

The speaker then highlighted what he described as a contradiction in Governor Greg Abbott’s stance on due process.

He said, "And follow this if you can. Greg Abbott opposes red flag laws. And he says so because he's concerned about the due process rights of the gun owner. And yet. He has no concern for the lack of due process for Liam and everyone else there. On top of that."

He closed by calling for immediate action and broader accountability, saying, "Release Liam, Release the families. And my boy released the Epstein files. Thank you very much."

DPS deploys chemical irritant at Dilley ICE protest

About 40 Department of Public Safety troopers arrived at the protest site on a Dilley Independent School District bus. The situation later intensified as clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement, according to Houston Public Media. 

A chemical irritant was deployed to control the crowd, forcing demonstrators to scatter as the air became difficult to breathe. A thick white cloud hung over the area, while protesters helped one another rinse their eyes with water. Several people were arrested during the confrontation.

The protest took place one day after a federal judge in San Antonio declined to immediately order the child’s release, citing a lack of authority as the case moves forward.