Francisco C.R.: U.S. resident with work permit pepper-sprayed and injured by ICE
Francisco Chan Reyes, 25, a lawful U.S. resident, was pepper-sprayed and held facedown during a traffic stop even after showing his driver's license and work permit. He was released after four hours once fingerprints confirmed his status.
Jan 30, 2026San Antonio, TXCountry of origin: Mexico

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
Tags
Sources
Loading…
More incidents in Texas
- ICE agent points pistol at workers during Texas workplace raidOct 21, 2026 · Brownsville, TX
- Mother detained by ICE, leaving two young daughters alone in ConroeOct 21, 2026 · Conroe, TX
- Houston homebuilder fatally shot by ICE agent in case of mistaken identityOct 21, 2026 · Houston, TX
- Gerald A.: Shackled man alleges guards fractured his wrist and spineOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Samuel: 19-year-old Venezuelan man alleges officers broke his tooth and crushed his testiclesOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Abel: Cuban man says guards beat him when he refused transfer to MexicoOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX