U.S. Army Veteran and Citizen George Retes Detained by ICE Agents in California
CAMARILLO, Calif. — George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who deployed to Iraq, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in July 2025 while commuting to his job at a cannabis farm in Southern California. The incident, which has drawn significant public attention, resulted in Retes being held in federal custody for three days without charges.
According to reports and statements from his legal representation, Retes was driving to work at Glass House Farms in Camarillo when his vehicle was stopped during a federal raid. Despite reportedly identifying himself as an American citizen, agents shattered his car window and deployed pepper spray before forcibly removing him from the vehicle.
Retes states that following his arrest, he was transported to a detention center where he was held in isolation for 72 hours. During this period, he alleges he was denied access to legal counsel, refused phone calls to his family, and was unable to contact anyone while missing his daughter’s third birthday.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially stated that Retes was arrested for “resisting or assaulting officers.” However, he was subsequently released without any criminal charges filed against him. DHS officials later confirmed his release and noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office was reviewing the case.
Retes has since announced plans to sue the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, represented by the Institute for Justice. He argues that his constitutional rights were violated during the encounter. “I served my country,” Retes said in a statement regarding the incident. “No one deserves to be treated the way they treat people.”
The raid in Camarillo was part of a broader operation in the region, which also saw the detention of other individuals. The investigation into the conduct of the agents involved is ongoing.
