Army veteran sues federal government after ICE detains him for three days

The Guardian World

by Coral Murphy Marcos

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

An Army veteran has filed a lawsuit against the federal government after being detained by ICE during his work commute in southern California. George Retes, a legal U.S. citizen with no criminal record, was held in a detention center for three days without access to his family, an attorney, or any information about the charges against him. The lawsuit, filed with the help of the nonprofit law firm Institute for Justice, argues that Retes’ detention was unconstitutional and violated his Fifth Amendment rights to due process and fair treatment under the law. The situation began in July when ICE agents detained Retes during his commute, despite his lack of any immigration violations or criminal history. For three days, Retes was held without communication from authorities about the reasons for his detention or a timeline for release. His family and legal team were left in the dark, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement practices. The lawsuit highlights the broader implications of such detentions on U.S. citizens and the need for clear boundaries between immigration enforcement and constitutional rights. Retes’ case has drawn attention to the potential forICE overreach and the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, are treated fairly under the law. The Institute for Justice is known for its work in defending civil liberties and challenging government actions that infringe on individual rights. This story underscores the ongoing debates about ICE practices and their impact on U.S. citizens. Retes’ legal team argues that his detention was a miscarriage of justice, pointing to the lack of evidence against him and the failure to provide basic due process during his confinement. The case has sparked discussions about the need for greater oversight and transparency in immigration enforcement, particularly when it comes to detaining American citizens. Ultimately, Retes’ lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026