US Citizen Wrongfully Detained: Immigration Officials Dismiss His Real ID as Fake

Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen, faced a distressing experience recently. While at a construction site in Foley, Alabama, he witnessed officials arresting workers, including his brother, who is undocumented. As he recorded the arrests on his phone, authorities confronted him. They took his wallet, dismissed his U.S. identification as “fake,” and wrestled him to the ground despite his claims of citizenship.

In the midst of the chaos, Garcia Venegas shouted, “I’m a citizen!” Yet, the officials cuffed him tightly. Hours later, he was released after he provided his Social Security number to prove his citizenship.

Garcia Venegas shared his feelings of sadness and anxiety about the ongoing immigration crackdown. “Even though we were born here, that doesn’t matter anymore,” he lamented. His cousin echoed his sentiment, stating, “To have our skin color has, apparently, become a crime.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to these events, accusing him of disturbing the arrest. They emphasized that anyone, including U.S. citizens, who obstructs law enforcement could face consequences.

This incident isn’t isolated. Since Donald Trump took office, many agencies have been involved in immigration operations, with some local police even participating. The outcome has led to U.S. citizens sometimes being mistakenly caught up in these efforts, facing detainment or, in rare cases, deportation.

In past administrations, though rare, U.S. citizens have also faced deportation. A 2018 study revealed that such cases, while uncommon, have been ongoing in various forms. This raises serious questions about the intersection of law enforcement and immigration policies.

This story reflects the fears many face regarding immigration enforcement today. As conversations continue around these policies, public opinion remains mixed, with many advocating for a clearer and more humane approach to immigration.



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