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Man detained by ICE in Tijeras days before filing marriage paperwork

Erick Reyes, who has lived in the U.S. since age 10 and married three months earlier, was detained by agents in Tijeras, New Mexico, while gathering paperwork for a marriage-based immigration application.

Oct 20, 2026Tijeras, NM

Man detained by ICE in Tijeras days before filing marriage paperwork
Photo via newmexico-express.com

Erick (Eric) Reyes, who has lived in the U.S. since age 10 and entered legally in 2015, was pulled over and detained by immigration agents in Tijeras, New Mexico. His wife, Alaina Rodriguez, said the couple had been married three months and were gathering final documents, including a police clearance letter and a sponsor, to submit a marriage-based immigration application. Rodriguez said it took nearly two days to locate Reyes, who was being held at the Torrance County Detention Facility, while the family also searched for legal help. She said Reyes has no criminal record and expressed fear about the family's ability to move freely and feel safe in their community. ICE said Reyes violated the terms of his admission by failing to depart the country as required and said it is offering him and other undocumented immigrants $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport.

“I just want them back. I just want to be with him and this not happen. I want to feel safe with where we live. I want to feel like we can drive somewhere and not have to look at every car.”
— Alaina Rodriguez

Timeline

Oct 20, 2026—ICE confirms Reyes remains in custody pending removal proceedings, says he violated entry terms, and offers him $3,000 and a flight to self-deport
Oct 14, 2026—Erick Reyes detained by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Tijeras, New Mexico; wife reports he is held at Torrance County Detention Facility
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