US Citizen and Army Veteran Detained by ICE Challenges 'Absolute Immunity'

George Retes' civil rights lawsuit seeks to hold federal immigration officers accountable for his unlawful detention.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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George Retes, a U.S. citizen and disabled Army veteran, was detained by federal immigration officers for 72 hours despite repeatedly attesting to his citizenship status. Retes has now filed a civil rights lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's claim that federal immigration enforcement officers have 'absolute immunity' from legal challenges. His case could set a precedent for holding federal officials accountable for alleged civil rights violations.

Why it matters

Retes' story highlights the broader issue of U.S. citizens being wrongfully detained by immigration authorities, with reports of over 170 such cases. His lawsuit seeks to challenge the legal doctrine of 'absolute immunity' that has shielded federal officials from liability, potentially opening the door for more accountability around alleged civil rights abuses by immigration enforcement.

The details

On July 10, 2025, Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran, was working as a security guard at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California when a large-scale immigration raid was underway. Despite repeatedly telling federal officers that he was a citizen, Retes was arrested, transferred to a detention center in Los Angeles, and held for 72 hours with no access to a lawyer or ability to contact his family. Retes was eventually released without any charges, but the Department of Homeland Security later claimed he was 'violent' and 'refused to comply' - allegations Retes denies and says are contradicted by video footage.

  • On July 10, 2025, Retes was arrested during an immigration raid.
  • Retes was held for approximately 72 hours at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

The players

George Retes

A 25-year-old U.S. citizen and disabled Army veteran who was unlawfully detained by federal immigration officers.

Rep. Mark Takano

A Democratic Congressman from California who invited Retes as his guest to the 2026 State of the Union address to highlight the impacts of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and initially claimed Retes was 'violent' and 'refused to comply' with officers, allegations Retes denies.

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What they’re saying

“George Retes is a U.S. citizen and an Iraq War veteran, and yet he was treated like an enemy by his own government. His story exemplifies the overreach and cruelty of the Trump Administration and their heavy-handed immigration policies, sweeping up innocent men, women, and children in a desperate bid to fill arbitrary quotas.”

— Rep. Mark Takano, Democratic Congressman from California (Scripps News)

“They leave the lights on 24/7. I'm in there naked, in a hospital gown. A guard sits out there 24/7 with the glass door just making sure I don't kill myself.”

— George Retes (Scripps News)

What’s next

Retes' lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Central District of California, claims violations of his civil rights under both state law and the U.S. Constitution. The case could ultimately end up before the Supreme Court, potentially serving to change legal precedents around the 'absolute immunity' doctrine that has shielded federal officials from liability.

The takeaway

Retes' case highlights the broader issue of U.S. citizens being wrongfully detained by immigration authorities, and the legal challenges in holding federal officials accountable for alleged civil rights abuses. His lawsuit could set an important precedent around the limits of 'absolute immunity' for federal law enforcement.