The Department of Homeland Security lashed out at an American citizen on Wednesday for speaking out about being wrongfully detained during a recent immigration operation.
George Retes, 25, is a U.S. citizen and military veteran who was arrested by federal agents in July as part of an immigration raid on a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California. Retes claimed in an op-ed published by the San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday that he was "wrongfully arrested" and that agents "didn't care" that they were potentially breaking the law during the raid.
Retes also accused officers of racial profiling.
DHS responded to his claims from the agency's official X account.
"We do our due diligence," the post reads. "We know who we are targeting ahead of time. These types of smears are designed to demonize and villainize our brave ICE law enforcement. This kind of garbage has led to a more than 1000% increase in the assaults on enforcement officers."
DHS also gave its account of Retes' arrest. The agency claimed he "assaulted" officers because he "refused to move his vehicle out of the road."
As CBP and ICE agents were executing criminal search warrants on July 10 at the marijuana sites in Camarillo, CA, George Retes—a U.S. citizen—became violent and refused to comply with law enforcement," the post reads. "He challenged agents and blocked their route by refusing to move his vehicle out of the road. CBP arrested Retes for assault."
Read the entire post below or by clicking here.
As CBP and ICE agents were executing criminal search warrants on July 10 at the marijuana sites in Camarillo, CA, George Retes—a U.S. citizen—became violent and refused to comply with law enforcement. He challenged agents and blocked their route by refusing to move his vehicle… pic.twitter.com/aKS2voKU3j
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 17, 2025