Immigration sweep in California results in arrest of ex-military individual and American national, who cautions that similar events could affect others alike.
In a controversial incident that has sparked outrage and concern, George Retes, a U.S. Army veteran, security guard, and U.S. citizen, was arrested during an immigration raid at a Southern California marijuana farm on July 10. The arrest took place at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, where Retes worked as a security guard.
According to reports, federal agents surrounded Retes' car as he arrived for work. Despite identifying himself as a U.S. citizen, Retes was subjected to excessive force, with his car window broken, and he was pepper-sprayed and dragged out. His family maintains he was trying to leave the area as tensions escalated between federal agents and protesters, and ICE may have mistakenly identified him as part of the protest.
Retes was detained for three days without charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. During his detention, he was emotionally distraught and unable to contact a lawyer or his family. His situation gained attention due to his status as a disabled veteran and U.S. citizen, highlighting concerns about the handling of immigration raids and the treatment of those involved.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is reviewing Retes' case, along with those of dozens of others arrested during the raids. California State University Channel Islands professor Jonathan Caravello was also detained during the same incident.
The raids at the two Southern California farms resulted in more than 360 arrests, making it one of the largest operations since President Donald Trump took office in January. The arrest of Retes, a U.S. citizen, has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests, with Retes expressing concern about the impact on individuals regardless of their race, military service, or citizenship status.
The incident has led to a call for accountability. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called President Trump a "chaos agent" who has incited violence and spread fear in communities. The governor's statement came in the wake of the federal judge's order to halt indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests without warrants in seven California counties, including Los Angeles. However, the Justice Department appealed the order and asked for it to be stayed.
Tragically, one farmworker died after falling from a greenhouse roof during the raids. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers and consequences of such operations.
In a move that may be seen as a response to the criticism, the Pentagon has ended the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, which is half the number sent following protests over immigration actions.
George Retes, who was put on suicide watch at the detention center and was checked on each day after becoming emotionally distraught, plans to sue for wrongful detention. His case underscores the need for transparency and due process in immigration enforcement operations.
- The ongoing debate about indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests has been fueled further due to the arrest of George Retes, a U.S. citizen, during a controversial incident at a Southern California marijuana farm in July.
- The incident at Glass House Farms, involving the arrest of George Retes and other individuals, falls under the umbrella of general-news, sparking concerns about the handling of immigration raids and the treatment of those involved, particularly in politics.
