U.S. citizen construction worker detained twice by ICE despite presenting valid ID
May 21, 2025 · Southern Alabama, AL, Mexico
Leo Garcia Venegas, a U.S. citizen born in Florida, was detained twice by ICE agents while working in construction in southern Alabama in 2025. On May 21, federal agents raided a construction site where Venegas was working, detained him along with Latino coworkers, and dismissed his REAL ID-compliant driver's license as fake, keeping him handcuffed for nearly an hour before confirming his citizenship via Social Security number. On June 12, he was again detained at a residential construction site when officers refused to accept his REAL ID and was released only after they confirmed his lawful status. Venegas has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the raids.
Timeline
Jun 12, 2025—ICE officers detained Venegas again at residential construction site, refused to accept his REAL ID before confirming his lawful status and releasing him
May 21, 2025—ICE agents raided construction site, detained Venegas and Latino coworkers, rejected his REAL ID driver's license, held him handcuffed for nearly an hour before confirming citizenship via Social Security number
After 6/12/2025—Venegas filed federal lawsuit challenging the detentions
Sources
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