Authorities handcuffed and detained Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a 25-year-old U.S.-born citizen with a REAL ID, during an immigration raid in Foley, Alabama, on Wednesday, May 21. The raid targeted undocumented workers at a construction site.
Officials dismissed Garcia’s valid REAL ID and citizenship verification, alleging the ID was fake.
Agents wrestled Garcia to the ground, removed his phone as he filmed and detained his undocumented brother during the operation while Garcia repeatedly declared, “I am a citizen.”
Garcia provided his Social Security number confirming citizenship. However, DHS claimed he interfered with an arrest and refused commands. Officials said “there was no mistake” in their actions.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. It raises concerns about racial profiling and prompts fear among Hispanic workers at job sites.
