(The Center Square) – Not only was a 5-year-old not used in any way, agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security cared for a child left by his father through the youngster’s favorite music and a trip to McDonald’s.
North Carolina has just one member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the U.S. House of Representatives, and he may only be in the second year of his freshman campaign. U.S. Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., is also a former federal prosecutor, well-equipped with knowing the answers for his questions.
“Mr. Lyons,” he asked of Todd Lyons, the senior official and interim director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, “was Liam used as ‘bait’ by your agency?”
“No, sir,” Lyons responded. “Actually, law enforcement officers took care of the child after the father abandoned him.”
Knott asked him to walk the panel of 32 through “what that means.”
“The individual who was driving that vehicle that Liam was in fled from the scene, from the officers,” Lyons said. “He was obviously upset. We comforted him. Officers actually placed him in one of our vehicles, played his favorite song, favorite music. Then they took him to McDonald’s.”
“You all got him McDonald’s?” Knott said. Lyons nodded in agreement.
“So, you all did not abduct him,” Knott said. “You did not use him as bait. Any characterization of that is a lie. And it has been repeated over and over by the Democrats to frame your agency.”
Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias and his son Liam were detained Jan. 21 in the Columbia Heights community of Minnesota. Homeland Security said the mother, inside the house, would not take custody even through several attempts.
The father and son were flown to a facility in Texas. A judge ordered them released and flown back to Minnesota, where they arrived Feb. 1. Arias, from Ecuador, reportedly came to the country through the process allowed by former President Joe Biden.
The truth, long before Knott reminded everyone Tuesday, was already known – even McDonald’s and the music. As quick as two days later.
Knott made sure the narrative was on the record to rest.
“If Democrats’ claims about ICE were accurate,” he wrote on social media after the hearing, “they wouldn’t have to lie to make their case. They repeatedly state that ICE ‘illegally detained’ a 5-year-old boy named Liam or that he was used as ‘bait.’ Neither is true.
“The agents involved acted exactly as they were supposed to – with gentleness and professionalism. We should be commending them rather than attacking them.”
Claims the deportation process was intentionally being rushed have been squashed by Homeland Security Assistant Deputy Tricia McLaughlin. She said the proceedings are for “regular removal” and said nothing is retaliatory about enforcing federal immigration law.
The next hearing is Friday.
