George Retes, a 26-year-old US citizen and army veteran, has initiated legal action against the federal government following his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in southern California. During his commute to work on July 10, Retes was apprehended by ICE agents who were conducting a raid in Ventura County. Despite being a US citizen, he was forcefully removed from his vehicle by agents who shattered his car window, and he was held for three days in a detention center without being allowed to contact family or a lawyer.

According to the lawsuit filed with the Institute for Justice, Retes's detention is claimed to be unconstitutional. He was not provided with any information regarding the charges against him nor was he given the opportunity to present identification. The incident has raised concerns over the conduct of federal agents and the treatment of individuals, particularly veterans, in immigration enforcement actions. The legal case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the rights of citizens during enforcement operations.

Retes worked as a security guard at a local farm and was simply trying to reach his job when he was detained. The lawsuit sheds light on potential abuses within the immigration enforcement system in the United States, particularly regarding how individuals can be treated without due process. This case could have broader implications for how ICE operates and the future of immigration enforcement policies, especially as they relate to American citizens and their rights during detainment procedures.