Indio Man Detained by ICE Outside Grocery Store: Partner Speaks Out on Family’s Fear and Uncertainty

New details on the man detained outside the Food 4 Less in Indio. The man detained is 21-year-old Anthony Reina, originally from Ecuador. According to his partner Lizette, the two came to the U.S. seeking asylum last September after fleeing gang violence in their home country. They used the CBP One app to obtain California IDs, Social Security numbers, and work permits, and they were following all legal procedures. On Tuesday, as Reina exited the store after buying bottled water for Lizette and her children, he was approached and taken by immigration agents. The cases of water were left beside his red Ford Fusion — a chilling symbol of a life interrupted.

“We feel upset and sad because he was a good person,” Lizette told NBC Palm Springs. “He wasn't a criminal. My daughter misses him so much because we have always been together as a family, and this is very hard for us.”

Lizette said Reyna presented his documents to agents and tried to explain his status, but they reportedly refused to acknowledge them or provide any deportation paperwork. According to Riverside County Court records, Reyna has no criminal charges or convictions.

Now, Lizette is living in fear — not just for Anthony, but for herself. She worries she too may be detained, which would mean leaving behind her three-year-old daughter.

“I’m very scared to be separated from her,” Lizette said, holding back tears. “I don’t know what the future holds.”

She shared that Reina is currently believed to be in Los Angeles, but his exact location remains unknown. She’s working to obtain legal assistance and gather all necessary documents to pursue political asylum, though recent events have shaken her hope.

“Although with everything that has happened, we're not sure if that's even possible anymore,” she admitted. “But we will continue to try.”

This case raises concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers who are actively complying with legal procedures and waiting for their cases to be processed. For now, Lizette and her family are left in limbo, looking for answers and holding on to the hope of reunion. For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.