A 25-year-old disabled U.S. Army veteran has been released without charges after being held for over three days following a federal raid in Ventura County. The man, identified as George Retes, was taken into custody during an immigration enforcement operation at a cannabis facility in Camarillo.
Retes, who works as a security guard at Glass House Farms, was caught up in the raid that took place on Thursday. According to his family and the United Farm Workers Union, he is a U.S. citizen and had no legal reason to be detained.
The situation unfolded as tensions rose between federal agents and demonstrators near the farm. Retes was seen attempting to leave the scene in his white vehicle when agents approached. His family later said agents smashed his car window, used pepper spray, and detained him on the spot.
His wife and sister told local media they recognized him in helicopter footage as he tried to drive away from the growing crowd. The video, aired by a local station, showed agents surrounding the vehicle and making the arrest.
For several days, Retes’ family said they had no contact with him. They didn’t know where he was being held or what charges, if any, he faced. The lack of communication left them frightened and confused.
The United Farm Workers Union stepped in to provide support. On Sunday night, the group confirmed that Retes had been released. He was freed from federal custody without any charges filed.
Union officials said Retes’ detention raises serious questions about how the raid was handled. They argue that the use of force and his arrest were unnecessary, especially since he is a citizen and was simply doing his job.
Advocates say the incident shows the risks that workers face during enforcement actions, even when they are not the targets. They also point to a lack of clear information during and after the operation, which caused distress to families and coworkers.
The raid itself has been criticized for its handling and the fear it caused among employees. Many people working in the area reportedly feared for their safety and were unsure who the federal agents were targeting.
Family members say Retes is now home and recovering. They hope to understand why he was detained in the first place and whether any policies were violated during the arrest.
Supporters have called for transparency and accountability. They want to make sure that what happened to Retes does not happen to others in similar situations. Some are also demanding a review of federal procedures used during workplace raids.
There has been no public comment yet from the federal agency involved in the operation. It remains unclear whether an internal review will take place following the detention and release of Retes.
Community groups continue to express concern about the lasting effects of the raid. They say the fear it created will not easily be forgotten. The union and others are asking for better protection for workers, especially veterans like Retes, who served the country and deserve to be treated fairly.
