Army Veteran Files Lawsuit Against Federal Government Over ICE Detention
An army veteran detained by federal immigration agents during his morning commute in southern California has initiated legal action against the United States government. George Retes, a 26-year-old US citizen, was arrested on July 10 while heading to his security guard job at a farm in Ventura county, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation was in progress.
Details of the Incident and Detention
According to the lawsuit, filed with assistance from the nonprofit Institute for Justice, Retes was held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles for three days. During this time, he was denied access to his family, an attorney, and any information regarding the charges against him. The suit argues this constituted an unconstitutional detention.
Retes recounted that when he attempted to explain to agents blocking the roadway that he needed to pass for work, they shattered his car window, forcibly removed him from the vehicle, and detained him without checking his identification. He was later released without charges, explanation, or an apology, missing his daughter's third birthday party as a result.
Legal and Constitutional Implications
Andrew Wimer, director of media relations at the Institute for Justice, emphasized the broader significance of the case. "George's rights were violated, and he is filing this lawsuit, not only to protect his own rights, but to have the rights of others be protected too," Wimer stated. "What happened to George is clearly wrong. No one can be held for three days without being told what they've done wrong, without being charged with a crime. Americans deserve justice when their rights have been violated."
The lawsuit targets multiple federal entities, including the United States government, which oversees the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the detention center, as well as ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the US navy, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Challenges in Suing Federal Officials
While existing legislation permits lawsuits against state and local officials for constitutional violations, pursuing legal action against federal agents has become increasingly difficult. The Supreme Court has narrowed the circumstances under which such lawsuits can be brought in recent decades.
Wimer acknowledged the anticipated hurdles: "We fully expect this government will claim various immunities, that they will try to get the case dismissed before it can really get started. These cases present a lot of difficulties, we know what we're in for, and it might be a years-long fight, but because we're a public interest law firm that will not be charging George, this is a fight that we can take on."
Broader Context of Veteran Arrests
Retes's case highlights growing concerns over the arrests of US military veterans by federal agents. During the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown, similar incidents were reported, including an army veteran arrested while protesting at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. In October, the Guardian identified eight cases where military veterans faced prosecution or sought damages after detention by federal agents.
The Guardian has contacted ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment on this matter.
