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U.S. resident pepper-sprayed, detained by ICE despite showing valid work authorization

Jan 30, 2026·Location: San Antonio, TX

Country of origin: Mexico

U.S. resident pepper-sprayed, detained by ICE despite showing valid work authorization
Photo via foxsanantonio.com

Francisco Chan Reyes, a 25-year-old U.S. resident with lawful status, was detained by ICE agents during a traffic stop on the west side of San Antonio on January 26, 2026, while returning home from a market with three cousins. Video shows agents breaking his car window, pepper-spraying him, and holding him facedown on the pavement without identifying themselves. Despite Reyes showing agents his Texas driver's license and work permit, they initially refused to accept these documents and told his wife he was in the country illegally. After approximately four hours in custody, including DNA swabbing and fingerprint processing, fingerprints confirmed his lawful presence and he was released. He sustained a head injury and pepper-spray burns. His three cousins were deported to Mexico the following day. Immigration attorney Marlyn Moreno noted that a Texas driver's license should have been sufficient proof of lawful presence, as the state only issues them to people who demonstrate citizenship or lawful presence. He and his wife plan legal action.

Timeline

Jan 27, 2026—Reyes's three cousins deported to Mexico
Jan 26, 2026—Francisco Chan Reyes detained during ICE traffic stop on west side of San Antonio; agents broke car window, pepper-sprayed him, and held him facedown on pavement despite his showing valid Texas driver's license and work permit
Jan 26, 2026—After approximately four hours in custody including DNA swabbing and fingerprint processing, fingerprints confirmed Reyes's lawful presence and he was released; he sustained head injury and pepper-spray burns
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