UPDATE: A 25-year-old disabled U.S. Army veteran, George Retes, has bravely stepped forward following his detention during a controversial immigration raid on a cannabis farm in Ventura County. Retes, employed at Glass House Farms, is demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the actions of immigration agents he alleges violated his civil rights.
The incident unfolded on July 10, 2023, during a large-scale enforcement action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Retes was apprehended amid protests from farmworkers and advocacy groups, including the United Farm Workers Union, who initially reported his detention and later confirmed his release without charges.
In a powerful statement to KTLA, Retes described the harrowing details of his arrest, claiming he was “wrongfully detained” while simply attempting to report to work. He alleged that ICE agents pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed him, smashed his car window, and forcibly removed him at gunpoint, despite his insistence that he was a U.S. citizen and an employee.
“I clearly identified myself as a U.S. citizen and an employee at the farm,” Retes stated. “Yet federal agents ignored me, yelled conflicting orders, and then violently detained me.”
Held for three days without charges, Retes reported being denied access to a phone call or legal representation, and he received no medical attention despite being “covered in tear gas and OC spray for days.” His release without charges raises serious questions about the conduct of federal agencies involved in the operation.
“This is not how any American should be treated — especially not a veteran who served this country with honor,” Retes asserted. “I didn’t break any law. I was just trying to go to work.”
The federal raid has already faced scrutiny, as reports indicate at least one individual died during the operation. Retes firmly believes that his experience exemplifies a broader issue, stating, “What happened to me wasn’t just a mistake — it was a violation of my civil rights. It was excessive force. And it was a failure of justice.”
Now, Retes is calling for a full investigation into the actions of ICE and other involved agencies. “I want the agents who ignored protocol and used force against me to be held accountable,” he demanded. “And I want the public to know the truth: this raid didn’t just target immigrants. It hurt Americans too.”
Refusing to remain silent, Retes concluded his statement by emphasizing his commitment to seek justice. “I served this country,” he said, “and now I’m demanding it do right by me.”
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, all eyes will be on the federal response and any forthcoming investigations into the handling of the raid. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
