Photo Gallery From the Conejo Rally
Coverage supported by the deep donations of long-time supporters Kristin Siegesmund and Becca Brackett.
On Saturday, May 9, Minnesotans gathered at the State Capitol in support of the more than 4,000 families who have been disrupted in the state because of the ICE occupation. This photo gallery includes some of the images taken by Minnesota Women’s Press photographer Sarah Whiting.
The event, known as the “Conejo Rally,” was organized by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) and Families Against Military Madness (FAMM). The rally honored five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who was taken by ICE agents along with his father outside their home in Columbia Heights. Images of the preschooler in his blue bunny hat surrounded by agents were widely shared.
Liam became sick after the two were sent to Texas. After a judge ordered ICE to release the pair, they returned home on February 1; but the Department of Justice has successfully moved to terminate the family’s asylum claims and is seeking to deport them.
The rally concluded with a speech from Liam’s father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. “As you know, we have gone through very difficult times, but thanks to your support, your messages, and your good wishes, we have pulled through. Thank you for being here. This is the symbol that represents all immigrants” he said, holding up a blue bunny hat.
Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias holding his son Liam (all photos by Sarah Whiting)
For 2025 coverage, Minnesota Women’s Press earned a community leadership award, three photography awards, and four editorial awards, including for coverage of social issues and for our Spring 2025 “Know Your Rights” special section supported by Unidos MN. Our publisher was named Journalist of the Year by Violence Free Minnesota for gender-based violence coverage.
