The Department of Homeland Security has labeled Liam’s father as an “illegal alien,” a claim contested by the family’s legal representative, who insists they entered the U.S. lawfully while seeking asylum.

According to the family’s attorney, Marc Prokosch, Liam and his Ecuadorian family approached border officials in Texas in December 2024 to request asylum.

Liam’s father and mother left Ecuador in pursuit of “a good life,” aiming to escape the country’s economic distress and job instability, as explained by his brother Luis Conejo to CNN.

Prokosch notes that Liam’s father has no known criminal record in Minnesota. Department of Homeland Security officials have not provided any criminal history for Conejo Arias, and a source with knowledge of the situation informed CNN that no criminal history seems to exist.

When questioned about any potential criminal background, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated, “The law requires those in the country illegally claiming fear to be detained pending removal. You can look it up in the statute.”

CNN’s investigation has not uncovered any criminal record for Arias from public sources. Moreover, according to Ecuador’s Interior Ministry, he does not have a criminal record in his home country.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.