Key takeaways

• George Retes is a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran wrongfully caught in an ICE detention stop.
• He joined a $250,000 ad campaign exposing harsh immigration enforcement.
• His video shows agents breaking his car window, pepper-spraying him, and forcing him to the ground.
• Retes now sues the government and urges everyone to speak up for justice.

George Retes served in Iraq and now works as a security contractor near Los Angeles. One morning, he drove to his job at a cannabis farm when ICE agents swarmed his car. They shattered the window, pepper-sprayed his face, and threw him to the ground. This scene, captured on video, sparked outrage and led Retes to fight back.

How ICE Detention Unfolded on His Commute

Retes says an ICE checkpoint blocked his route without warning. He insists he showed his U.S. military ID and behaved respectfully. Yet agents ignored his proof and accused him of blocking their path. They sprayed him with pepper spray and wrestled him to the pavement. Then they zip-tied his hands and forced him into custody for a weekend.

Around 200 U.S. citizens have faced similar ICE detention stops since January. Therefore, Retes became the face of Home of the Brave’s new ad campaign. In the one-minute spot, he pleads for action. He says, “Your voice matters. Call your representatives. Let your voice be heard.” He hopes more people will challenge unfair treatment.

He Fights Back with Ads and a Lawsuit

Retes stars in a $250,000 ad campaign that airs on streaming services. It directly counters Department of Homeland Security recruitment ads. He also joined forces with the Institute for Justice. Together, they filed a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. They demand accountability for the agents who violated his rights.

DHS tried to discredit Retes in public statements. They claimed he became violent and blocked the search. However, Retes rejects these claims. He was never charged with assault. The video, he says, proves his side. He challenges the administration to face the evidence in court.

Inside Detention: His Harrowing Ordeal

While in ICE detention, Retes says he endured inhumane conditions. He spent nights on a concrete bed with lights on all the time. He could not shower, even though his skin burned from pepper spray. He also faced suicide watch, isolated in a tiny room with a small window.

He missed his daughter’s third birthday and worried her tears. He slept in a hospital gown and could not flush the toilet on his own. This distress lasted days. Retes calls the experience “terrible” and vows no one else should endure it.

A Call to Action: His Message to Leaders

Retes urged President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and other leaders to do their jobs. He said agents should protect rights, not violate them. He warned attacks on truth and liberty harm all Americans. He lamented the rising cost of living and the growing division in the country.

Despite his pain, Retes holds onto hope. He believes Americans can unite for justice. He hopes better days lie ahead, if leaders listen and act.

From Security Guard to Advocate

Before his arrest, Retes worked for Securitas, a national security contractor. After the ICE detention, the company suspended him for three weeks. They told him to prove his innocence. Feeling betrayed, he quit and now seeks new work. Meanwhile, he travels to tell his story.

His message resonates beyond politics. He reminds fellow veterans and citizens alike that due process matters. He sees his struggle as part of a larger fight against injustice. By sharing his video, he hopes to inspire others to speak out.

Why This Case Matters

This incident highlights serious concerns with ICE detention tactics. U.S. citizens should not face illegal stops by immigration agents. Yet close to 200 cases show it can happen. Retes’s fight exposes gaps in oversight and accountability. His ad campaign pressures the government to change.

Transitioning from soldier to activist, Retes uses media to push for reform. He believes public attention can force leaders to act. His lawsuit may set an example and help prevent future abuse.

Moving Forward Together

Retes’s story serves as a warning. It shows how easy it is to lose rights without proof. Therefore, he asks everyone to call their representatives. He urges citizens to demand transparency in immigration actions. He stresses that silence helps injustice thrive.

By sharing his ordeal, Retes hopes to spark real conversations about rule of law. He wants Americans to hold officials to higher standards. He dreams of a nation where agents follow rules and respect dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What evidence supports Retes’s claims about ICE detention?

Retes’s video shows agents breaking his window, pepper-spraying his face, and pinning him to the ground. He also has medical records of his injuries and witness statements from bystanders.

How did Retes join the Home of the Brave ad campaign?

The nonprofit reached out after learning his story. They believed his case showed “catastrophic harm” from the administration’s policies. Retes agreed to share his experience to raise awareness.

What legal action has Retes taken against the government?

He filed a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act with help from the Institute for Justice. They aim to hold the administration accountable for wrongful arrest and mistreatment.

How can people support changes in ICE detention practices?

Citizens can call or write to their elected officials, attend local town halls, and share stories like Retes’s on social media. Public pressure can push leaders to review and reform enforcement policies.