Key Takeaways
• Disabled US Army veteran George Retes was detained during a July 10, 2025, immigration raid in Camarillo, California.
• Retes was held for three days without charges, lawyer access, phone calls, or medical care after pepper spray injury.
• The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Retes’ release; no charges filed; case under US Attorney’s review.
A disabled U.S. Army veteran, George Retes, was detained during a federal immigration raid at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, California, on July 10, 2025. The incident has sparked public concern about civil rights, immigration enforcement, and the treatment of U.S. citizens during such operations.
George Retes’ Detention During Immigration Raid
On the morning of July 10, 2025, federal agents carried out an immigration raid at Glass House Farms, a cannabis farm in Camarillo, Ventura County. The operation targeted undocumented workers, but it also led to the detention of George Retes, a 25-year-old disabled veteran and U.S. citizen. Retes was working as a security guard at the farm when the raid began.
According to Retes and his family, he tried to leave the area as tensions rose between federal agents and protesters. Despite clearly identifying himself as a U.S. citizen and employee, agents detained him. Family members say that as Retes attempted to drive away, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents broke his car window, pepper-sprayed him, forcibly removed him from the vehicle, and threw him to the ground.
“I told them I was a U.S. citizen and a veteran, but they didn’t listen,” Retes said after his release. “They used force, ignored my rights, and treated me like a criminal.”
Detention Without Charges or Contact
After his arrest, Retes disappeared into the federal detention system. For three days, his family could not find out where he was being held. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including local Ventura County authorities and federal offices, could not provide information about his location or condition.
During those three days, Retes was:
- Held without charges
- Denied access to a lawyer
- Not allowed to make a phone call
- Denied medical care for injuries and chemical exposure from the pepper spray
His family, desperate for answers, reached out to advocacy groups, legal aid organizations, and the media. The lack of information and communication only increased their fear and frustration.
Allegations of Civil Rights Violations
Upon his release, George Retes spoke out about his experience. He described the detention as not just a mistake, but a serious violation of his civil rights. He said the use of excessive force and the failure to check his citizenship status before detaining him showed a breakdown in the system.
“What happened to me could happen to anyone,” Retes warned. “If a U.S. citizen and disabled veteran can be treated this way, what about others who don’t have the same protections?”
Retes and his family are now calling for a full investigation into the conduct of the federal agents involved in the Camarillo immigration raid. They want answers about why he was detained, why his rights were ignored, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Official Responses and Ongoing Review
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), confirmed that George Retes was arrested during the raid and later released without charges. She stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is reviewing his case, along with dozens of others connected to the federal search warrant executed at Glass House Farms.
As of mid-July 2025, no charges have been filed against Retes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to review the cases of all individuals detained during the raid to determine if any federal charges are appropriate.
Broader Impact and Public Outcry
The detention of George Retes has drawn widespread attention and criticism. Advocacy groups, including the United Farm Workers Union, have condemned the incident and called for accountability. They argue that the wrongful detention of a U.S. citizen, especially a disabled veteran, exposes serious flaws in immigration enforcement practices.
Key concerns raised include:
- Failure to verify citizenship status before detaining individuals
- Use of excessive force during arrests
- Lack of communication with families of detainees
- Denial of basic rights such as access to legal counsel and medical care
Civil rights advocates say that these problems are not isolated. They point to other cases where U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained during immigration raids, sometimes for days or even weeks.
Legal and Civil Rights Perspectives
Legal experts stress that everyone detained by law enforcement, regardless of the reason, has certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. These include the right to due process, the right to legal representation, and the right to medical care if needed.
“Detaining a U.S. citizen without charges, legal counsel, or medical care is a clear violation of constitutional rights,” said a spokesperson for a national civil liberties organization. “Law enforcement agencies must have procedures in place to verify citizenship and protect the rights of all individuals.”
Veterans’ organizations have also spoken out, expressing concern about the treatment of disabled veterans during law enforcement actions. They are urging federal agencies to adopt special protections for veterans, especially those with disabilities, to prevent similar incidents.
Background: Immigration Raids and Cannabis Farms in California
The Camarillo immigration raid was part of a larger federal operation targeting undocumented workers at cannabis farms in Ventura County. California’s cannabis industry, while legal at the state level, remains under close scrutiny by federal authorities. Many farms rely on immigrant labor, and federal agents often conduct raids to enforce immigration laws.
These operations can be chaotic, with large numbers of workers, security staff, and sometimes protesters present. In such environments, mistakes can happen—but advocates say that is no excuse for violating the rights of U.S. citizens or using excessive force.
Community Reactions and Fears
The wrongful detention of George Retes has sent shockwaves through immigrant and veteran communities in Ventura County and beyond. Many fear that they, too, could be caught up in similar raids, even if they are U.S. citizens or have legal status.
Families of those detained during immigration raids often struggle to find out where their loved ones are being held. The lack of communication from law enforcement agencies adds to their anxiety and can delay access to legal help or medical care.
“We were terrified,” said a member of the Retes family. “No one would tell us where George was or what had happened to him. We just wanted to know he was safe.”
Policy Implications and Calls for Reform
The case of George Retes has reignited debates about immigration enforcement and civil rights. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers are calling for changes to federal policies and procedures to prevent wrongful detentions.
Possible reforms include:
- Stronger verification of citizenship status before detaining individuals
- Clearer communication protocols with families of detainees
- Mandatory access to legal counsel and medical care for all detainees
- Special protections for veterans and other vulnerable groups
Some experts suggest that federal agencies should work more closely with local law enforcement and community organizations to ensure that raids are conducted safely and fairly.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
A formal investigation into the conduct of federal agents during the Camarillo raid is expected. This could lead to policy reviews, disciplinary actions, or even changes in how future raids are carried out.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is still reviewing the cases of all individuals detained during the operation, including George Retes. Advocacy groups are monitoring the situation closely and plan to push for legislative or administrative reforms at both the state and federal levels.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is affected by an immigration raid, it is important to know your rights. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, all detainees have the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and the right to contact their family or a lawyer.
Legal aid organizations and veterans’ groups can provide support and guidance. It is also helpful to keep copies of important documents, such as proof of citizenship or military service, in a safe and accessible place.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that incidents like the detention of George Retes highlight the need for better training and oversight of federal agents involved in immigration enforcement. They recommend that individuals who believe their rights have been violated during a raid should seek legal help as soon as possible and document everything that happened.
Community Support and Advocacy
Local and national advocacy groups are stepping up efforts to support those affected by immigration raids. They are offering legal clinics, know-your-rights workshops, and emergency hotlines for families searching for detained loved ones.
Veterans’ organizations are also working to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by disabled veterans during law enforcement actions. They are urging policymakers to consider the needs of veterans when designing and implementing immigration enforcement protocols.
Conclusion: A Case That Raises Important Questions
The detention of George Retes during the Camarillo immigration raid has become a rallying point for those concerned about civil rights, immigration policy, and the treatment of vulnerable populations. While the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues its review, the case has already sparked important conversations about how to balance immigration enforcement with the protection of individual rights.
For now, families, advocates, and community members are watching closely to see what changes, if any, will result from this high-profile incident. The hope is that by shining a light on cases like that of George Retes, future immigration raids will be conducted with greater care, transparency, and respect for the rights of all individuals—citizens and non-citizens alike.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Know your rights during immigration enforcement actions
- Seek legal help immediately if you or a loved one is detained
- Advocate for policy reforms to prevent wrongful detentions
- Support community organizations working to protect civil rights
As the investigation into the Camarillo raid continues, the story of George Retes serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and compassion in all aspects of immigration enforcement.
Learn Today
Immigration raid → A federal operation targeting undocumented workers to enforce immigration laws at specific locations.
Pepper spray → A chemical agent used by law enforcement to incapacitate individuals temporarily during arrests or control.
Disabled veteran → A person who served in the military and has a service-related disability affecting their daily life.
Due process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system, including rights to counsel and hearings.
US Attorney’s Office → Federal office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and reviewing legal actions in the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
George Retes, a disabled US veteran, was wrongly detained during a 2025 Camarillo immigration raid. Held without rights for three days, his case spotlights failures in verifying citizenship and civil rights protections in federal immigration enforcement operations.
— By VisaVerge.com
