URGENT UPDATE: A 25-year-old disabled U.S. Army veteran has made shocking allegations of civil rights violations following his detention during a federal immigration raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County. George Retes claims his arrest on July 10 was not only unjust but also involved excessive force by immigration agents.
In his first public statement, Retes, who worked as a security guard at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, described the traumatic events. “I was wrongfully detained by ICE agents while simply trying to report to work,” he asserted. He alleges that agents used pepper spray and tear gas, smashed his car window, and forcibly removed him at gunpoint, despite him identifying himself as a U.S. citizen.
Retes was held for three days without charges, denied access to a phone call, and lacked legal representation. He received no medical attention after being exposed to tear gas and OC spray. “I clearly identified myself as a U.S. citizen and an employee at the farm,” he stated, “yet federal agents ignored me and violently detained me.”
The raid has spurred backlash from farmworkers and advocacy groups, including the United Farm Workers Union, which reported that at least one individual died during the operation. Retes condemned the actions of the federal agencies, declaring, “What happened to me wasn’t just a mistake — it was a violation of my civil rights.”
He is now demanding a thorough investigation into the conduct of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents involved. “I want the agents who ignored protocol and used force against me to be held accountable,” Retes insisted. “This raid didn’t just target immigrants. It hurt Americans too.”
The incident highlights serious concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement practices and their treatment of individuals, particularly veterans. Retes concluded, “This is not how any American should be treated — especially not a veteran who served this country with honor.”
As the situation develops, Retes’s call for accountability and justice is resonating, urging the public to pay attention to the implications of this raid on civil rights and immigration policies. His determination to speak out against injustice is clear: “I served this country, and now I’m demanding it do right by me.”
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story and its broader implications for veterans and civil rights in the United States.
