U.S. Citizen and Army Vet Sues Government After Camarillo Immigration Raid

George Retes claims he was falsely imprisoned and mistreated during a federal immigration enforcement operation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A U.S. citizen and Army veteran named George Retes has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming he was unlawfully detained, assaulted, and denied basic rights during an immigration enforcement raid in Camarillo, California last July. Retes says he was driving to his job at a licensed marijuana farm when federal agents blocked his car, shattered his window, and forcibly detained him for three days without explanation or access to a judge, shower, or phone calls.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential civil liberties violations and the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local communities over the scope and tactics used in such raids.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Retes, who was born and raised in Ventura, California, was driving to his job at Glass House Farms, a licensed marijuana growing facility, when his car was blocked by a line of federal agents. Retes says he tried to explain that he was a U.S. citizen headed to work, but an agent told him "Work is closed today" and he needed to go home. When Retes tried to back away, agents shattered his car window with a gun, used tear gas, and forcibly detained him, despite his compliance. Retes was then taken to a Navy base, strip-searched, and held in federal jail for three days without being told why or being allowed to make phone calls or shower.

  • On July 10, 2025, Retes was detained during the immigration raid in Camarillo.
  • Retes was held in federal custody for three days following the raid.

The players

George Retes

A U.S. citizen and Army veteran who was detained and allegedly mistreated during an immigration enforcement raid in Camarillo, California.

Institute of Justice

A nonprofit, public interest law firm representing Retes in his civil rights lawsuit against the U.S. government.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that conducted the immigration enforcement raid in Camarillo, claiming Retes "became violent and refused to comply with law enforcement."

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What they’re saying

“Seeking accountability through the courts is not an act of division, it is an act of faith in the system our nation was built on. I am pursuing this case not out of anger, but out of principle, so that what happens to me does not happen to someone else.”

— George Retes

“This case is not about politics, it is not about immigration enforcement, it is about something much more fundamental. U.S. citizens must be able to hold the federal government accountable for depriving them of basic civil liberties guaranteed in the Constitution.”

— Marie Miller, Attorney representing George Retes

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit against the U.S. government to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local communities, as well as the importance of holding the government accountable for potential civil liberties violations, even against U.S. citizens.