LYNN — Alejandro Reyes was detained and arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wednesday at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Linwood Road.
Reyes is a resident of Lynn with no criminal record, according to his wife, Jaheirie Collazo.
“I feel so sad and so stressed, I’m pregnant and my daughter at home is under stress too,” she said.
Collazo said her husband owns his own business, Reyes Carpentry, pays taxes, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials “have no reason to take him.” Five federal agents pulled Reyes out of his construction vehicle and on to the sidewalk to detain him.
“He’s a good father, a good worker, and a good member of the community,” Collazo said.
She added, “If ICE wants to take someone because they are a criminal, I totally understand that. But this is not right, they hurt my husband, my husband was bleeding. They didn’t care.”
“He never resisted, he always cooperates,” Collazo said, motioning to the sidewalk stained in blood.
In a statement, Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Dr. Evonne Alvarez stated that federal agents detained individuals who were not affiliated with the Tracy School. The arrest took place in clear view of students and staff who were arriving at school.
Principal Carrie Nicosia ordered a Secure and Hold, bringing all students inside immediately to shield them from further witnessing the incident.
The statement read, “This action was taken solely in the interest of protecting students’ social-emotional well-being. Principal Nicosia and her staff handled an extremely difficult situation with the utmost professionalism and compassion.”
Alvarez stated that bilingual counseling resources will be available at the Tracy school for anyone wanting to talk.
In a statement from Mayor Nicholson, he said, “The forceful arrest carried out by federal agents this morning in the immediate vicinity of the Tracy Elementary School at drop off time is extremely concerning but unfortunately consistent with a broader pattern of ICE activity in the City that is at times reckless and serves to create fear and alarm among our residents. I appreciate the professional and caring response of the school administration and staff.”
