Dozens of immigrant families protested on Saturday behind the fences of a Texas detention facility following the recent detention of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father. The families gathered at the South Texas Family Residential Center, advocating for humane treatment and the release of their children.
Aerial photos captured the scene, showing parents and children wearing jackets and sweaters, some holding signs proclaiming 'Libertad para los niños' ('Liberty for the kids'). Protesters could be heard chanting 'Libertad!' expressing their desire for freedom.
Maria Alejandra Montoya Sanchez, one of the protestors, emphasized that they deserve to be treated with dignity. She, along with her 9-year-old daughter, has been held in detention since October. 'We’re immigrants, with children, not criminals,' she said in a phone interview.
The recent detention of Liam Conejo Ramos, 5, and his father has become a pivotal issue amid ongoing debates over immigration policies in the United States. Conflicting accounts from government officials and the family’s lawyer raise questions about the handling of such detentions.
The demonstration occurred shortly after a federal immigration officer fatally shot a man in Minneapolis, leading to heightened tensions in a city already reeling from violence.
Advocates have reported poor conditions within the detention facilities, including inappropriate food, widespread illness, and lack of adequate medical care. Hundreds of children are reportedly held beyond federally mandated limits.
Legal representatives and family members involved are continuing to advocate for improved treatment of detained immigrants, regardless of their legal status. The protests not only highlight the plight of these families but also call attention to the systemic injustices within the immigration system.
