Army Veteran US Citizen Detained Three Days California Immigration Raid

George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran working as a security guard at a California cannabis farm, was mistakenly arrested and detained for three days during a federal immigration raid in Camarillo. Despite identifying himself as a U.S. citizen, Retes was forcibly removed from his vehicle, sprayed with tear gas and pepper spray, and restrained by multiple officers, who pinned him down even after his hands were behind his back. During his detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, he was placed on suicide watch, denied contact with family or a lawyer, and never informed of any charges before being released without charges. The raid, part of an intensified immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump's administration, has faced criticism from California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the operation as spreading fear and causing harm in immigrant communities. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Retes' arrest and release, stating that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is reviewing his case along with others related to the raid. Retes expressed hope that no one else suffers similar treatment and highlighted his military service as proof of his commitment to the country.