Judge temporarily blocks removal of 5-year-old and father detained in Minnesota

A federal judge has issued a temporary order preventing removal of a five-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father, who were taken into custody in Minnesota and are being held at a family detention facility in Texas.

A U.S. federal judge issued a temporary order that prevents removal or transfer of a five-year-old Ecuadorian boy and his father after their arrest in Minnesota. The arrest drew attention because people in the community described a tense encounter and federal officials gave a different account. The two are currently held at a family detention facility in Dilley, Texas. The judge’s order keeps them from being moved while the legal case moves forward. Known details: - U.S. Judge Fred Biery issued a temporary order barring removal or transfer while a court case proceeds. - The child and his father were taken into custody outside their Columbia Heights, Minnesota, home and are being held at a family detention facility in Dilley, Texas. - Neighbors and school officials reported that officers involved the child in approaching the house; the Department of Homeland Security disputed that account and said the father fled and left the child in a vehicle. - The family’s attorney says the father has a pending asylum claim; federal officials said he entered without proper documents in December 2024. Summary: The temporary order prevents the family’s removal while the legal matter is pending. The case will proceed in court; specific dates or timing are undetermined at this time.