Immigration Agents Mock U.S. Citizen During His Own Arrest Recording

Recent events in 2025 have brought renewed attention to the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement actions, especially after several high-profile cases where U.S. citizens were mistakenly arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and ICE agents. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions are required, and the wider implications for anyone involved in or concerned about immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.

Summary of What Changed

In July 2025, a video surfaced showing the arrest of Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Florida. The video, which quickly spread online, captured agents laughing and making dismissive comments as they arrested him, even though he repeatedly stated he was a U.S. citizen. This incident is not isolated. Just days later, another U.S. citizen, George Retes—a U.S. Army veteran—was arrested during a large-scale ICE raid in California. Both cases have sparked public outrage, led to new lawsuits, and increased scrutiny of ICE and U.S. Border Patrol practices.

Who Is Affected

• U.S. citizens who may be stopped or detained during immigration enforcement actions, especially in areas with frequent ICE or U.S. Border Patrol activity.
• Immigrant communities who live in fear of raids and may be caught up in enforcement actions, regardless of their legal status.
• Family members of those detained, who often face uncertainty and lack of communication.
• Employers in industries targeted by ICE raids, such as agriculture.
• Legal advocates and organizations working to protect civil rights and provide legal assistance.

Effective Dates

• The most recent incident involving Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio occurred on May 2, 2025, with the video becoming public in July 2025.
• The arrest of George Retes took place on July 10, 2025.
• These incidents reflect ongoing enforcement practices and are part of a broader trend that has intensified since 2024.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you or someone you know is at risk of being stopped or detained by ICE or U.S. Border Patrol, consider the following steps:

1. Carry proof of citizenship or legal status at all times, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
2. Know your rights: U.S. citizens have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about your citizenship status without a lawyer present.
3. Do not sign any documents without reading and understanding them. Ask for legal counsel before signing anything.
4. Record the encounter if possible. Videos and audio recordings can provide important evidence if rights are violated.
5. Contact a trusted person as soon as possible if detained. Memorize important phone numbers in case you are denied access to your phone.
6. Seek legal help immediately if you are detained or if a family member is detained. Organizations like the Immigrant Advocates Response Collaborative (immigrantjustice.org) can help connect you with legal resources.

Implications for Pending Applications and Ongoing Cases

• Pending immigration applications: If you are a U.S. citizen or have a pending application and are detained, notify your attorney or legal representative immediately. Detention can delay or complicate your application process.
• Ongoing lawsuits: Several lawsuits are underway challenging ICE’s practices, especially regarding arrests at courthouses and during raids. If you believe your rights were violated, you may be able to join a class action or seek legal redress.
• Family reunification: Detention of U.S. citizens can disrupt family life, including missing important events or losing contact with children and relatives.

Details of Recent Incidents

Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio’s Arrest

On May 2, 2025, Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, was pulled over by Florida Highway Patrol. U.S. Border Patrol agents arrived and forcibly removed him and others from the car. One person was put in a chokehold, another was tased. Despite Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio’s repeated claims of citizenship, agents laughed and told him, “You got no rights here.” The video, released in July 2025, led to widespread criticism of U.S. Border Patrol and ICE.

George Retes’ Arrest

On July 10, 2025, George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. Army veteran and U.S. citizen, was arrested during ICE raids at two Southern California farms. Despite showing proof of citizenship, agents broke his car window, pepper sprayed him, and detained him for three days. He was denied legal counsel, family contact, and basic hygiene, and was placed on suicide watch due to emotional distress. He missed his daughter’s birthday while in custody. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids, calling them chaotic and harmful to communities.

Broader Enforcement Context

ICE and U.S. Border Patrol have increased large-scale raids since 2024, especially in agricultural areas and immigrant communities. These operations often involve local law enforcement and can result in mass detentions. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these aggressive tactics have led to more cases where U.S. citizens are mistakenly detained, raising concerns about civil rights violations.

Typical ICE Arrest Process

Based on recent cases, the process often follows these steps:

• Targeted raids or stops: ICE agents, sometimes with local police, stop vehicles or enter workplaces.
• Identification checks: Individuals are asked for ID. Claims of U.S. citizenship may be ignored or challenged.
• Use of force: Agents may use physical force, such as breaking windows, using pepper spray, or restraining people.
• Transport to detention: Detainees are taken to detention centers, often without immediate access to legal help or family.
• Detention without charges: People may be held for days without clear charges or explanations.
• Release or formal charges: Some are released after signing documents, sometimes without understanding what they signed.

Expert Perspectives and Legal Challenges

Civil rights experts warn that these enforcement tactics can violate constitutional protections, especially the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. Legal advocates call for better training for agents, clearer rules for verifying citizenship, and stronger accountability when mistakes are made. Lawsuits have been filed against ICE for unlawful arrests at courthouses and during raids, with some cases representing multiple plaintiffs who were detained despite being U.S. citizens.

Official Positions

• ICE and DHS: Officials say their actions are lawful and focus on removing criminal illegal aliens, especially in areas with sanctuary policies.
• State officials and advocates: Leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and immigrant rights groups argue that these raids cause fear, violate rights, and harm entire communities.
• Law enforcement: Some officers say the chaotic nature of raids and the presence of undocumented individuals make operations difficult, but stress the need to respect everyone’s rights.

Future Outlook

• Policy reforms: Ongoing lawsuits and public pressure may lead to new rules or oversight for ICE and U.S. Border Patrol.
• Congressional debates: Lawmakers continue to discuss how to balance enforcement with protecting citizens’ rights.
• Technology and accountability: Increased use of body cameras and public recordings may help hold agents accountable and improve training.

Practical Guidance for U.S. Citizens

• Always carry proof of citizenship.
• Know your rights: You can remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
• Do not sign anything without legal advice.
• Record encounters if safe to do so.
• Contact legal aid organizations if detained.

Where to Get Help

For more information on your rights and how to respond to ICE or U.S. Border Patrol actions, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. You can also reach out to legal aid groups or the Immigrant Advocates Response Collaborative for support.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The recent arrests of Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio and George Retes show that even U.S. citizens can be caught up in immigration enforcement actions. If you or someone you know is affected, take immediate steps to protect your rights, seek legal help, and document all interactions. Stay informed about policy changes and ongoing legal cases, as these may affect how ICE and U.S. Border Patrol operate in the future. By understanding your rights and knowing where to get help, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones during these challenging times.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining suspects.
U.S. Border Patrol → Federal agency tasked with securing U.S. borders and apprehending unauthorized entrants.
Detention center → Facility where individuals are held during immigration enforcement actions.
Naturalization certificate → Official document proving a non-citizen has become a U.S. citizen.
Fourth Amendment → Constitutional protection against unreasonable searches, seizures, and arrests by government agents.

This Article in a Nutshell

Two U.S. citizens were wrongly arrested by ICE in 2025, sparking outrage and legal challenges. This highlights urgent need to protect citizens’ rights during immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com