U.S. Army veteran George Retes Jr. is facing assault accusations from federal officials following his wrongful arrest during a massive immigration raid in Camarillo in July. Retes, who served in Iraq, was working as a security guard at Glass House Farms when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained him on July 10. He was jailed for three days without charges, unable to contact his family or a lawyer.
Retes, a 25-year-old American citizen, described the chaotic scene, saying he was trying to get to work when federal agents blocked his path. Despite informing them of his citizenship and employment, agents arrested him, allegedly using excessive force, including kneeling on his neck and back. Retes wrote an op-ed detailing his ordeal, which he believes led to the new assault allegations against him. He strongly denies these claims, asserting that he never resisted arrest.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Retes is now taking legal action under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeking accountability for what he describes as a violation of his constitutional rights. His attorney, Anya Bidwell, emphasized the importance of challenging the government’s narrative, stating, “They’re trying to impose their own version of reality.”
The raid resulted in over 360 arrests, including many undocumented immigrants, and sparked criticism of ICE’s tactics. Retes’ case highlights concerns about wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens, an issue documented in a 2021 Government Accountability Office report. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the assault claims but stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is reviewing Retes’ case for potential federal charges.
Retes remains committed to seeking justice, expressing his determination to hold federal officers accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future. He stated, “If it can happen to me, it can happen to any one of us.”
Recent Comments