Fleeing Immigration Agents: Nicaraguan Family Barricaded After Dramatic Encounter in Fontana, CA

In Fontana, California, electrical worker Roberto Reyes had a harrowing encounter with federal immigration agents last week. While en route to work, four white vehicles blocked his path, trapping him in his vehicle. As an immigration officer exited one of the cars, Reyes saw his chance for escape and fled, abandoning his wallet, keys, and other possessions inside the vehicle.

Upon reaching his apartment, Reyes contacted his wife and daughter to unlock the door as immigration agents pursued him. Security camera footage from his residence captures Reyes just managing to evade their grasp before shutting himself safely inside.

Since that day on July 30th, Reyes and his family – consisting of his wife, three children, and mother-in-law – have remained barricaded within their home due to fear of being detained by immigration authorities. They had fled Nicaragua three years prior, seeking asylum.

Reyes expressed his concerns about the potential separation of his family members, stating that such occurrences have been documented before. After slamming the door on the agents, one agent allegedly kicked it repeatedly in an attempt to force entry. Reyes noted that during this struggle, his daughter sustained a head injury as she helped keep the door closed.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that immigration agents attempted to detain Reyes, describing him as a “dangerous criminal illegal alien from Nicaragua with a history of assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and disturbing the peace.” However, Reyes claimed that these allegations stemmed from a wrongful accusation related to an incident with a neighbor, which has since been dismissed.

Since their encounter with immigration agents, no warrants or summons have been presented to Reyes or his family. Despite this, the agents continue to harass them, with unknown vehicles frequently parking near or in the apartment building’s lot and individuals attempting to gain entry by knocking on the door. This situation has severely impacted their mental health, causing anxiety and sleeplessness for Reyes’ wife, weight loss, and a lack of appetite.

The family’s daughter fears that immigration agents may enter their home and take her mother. Community members and a local immigration coalition have rallied to support the family during this ordeal, providing them with food, hygiene items, and water. The organization is now working to help the family secure legal status in the United States.

Reyes and his family had initially sought an attorney for their asylum case but could not afford the high fees. They were asked to pay an initial fee of $8,000, with a total cost reaching $25,000 for their entire family. Reyes expressed his desire to continue the application process and work legally in order to provide for his children. For now, he is willing to remain at home as long as necessary and do whatever he can to ensure their safety.