When Immigration Crackdowns Go Too Far: U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders Caught in the Dragnet
August 2025 | By Jonathan S. Ro, Esq., Ro Law Firm | jonathan@jsr-law.com
Recent immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration’s second term have cast an unsettlingly wide net—one that has not only affected undocumented immigrants, but also U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). As immigration raids intensify across the country, we are seeing increasing reports of people with legal status being wrongly detained, interrogated, and in some cases, held for days or weeks without due process.
Below, we highlight some recent troubling developments and offer guidance for those who may be affected.
U.S. Citizens Arrested or Detained—Without Cause
In July 2025, George Retes, a disabled U.S. Army veteran and American citizen, was arrested during an ICE raid in Camarillo, CA. Despite stating his citizenship, he was pepper-sprayed and held for three days before being released—without charges or an apology.
Other citizens, such as Heidi Plummer, an attorney of Ecuadorian descent, and Andrea Vélez, a Los Angeles commuter, were reportedly arrested in public spaces simply for “looking” Latino or being in the vicinity of immigration sweeps.
These cases underscore a disturbing trend: racial profiling and lack of adequate identification protocols are causing ICE to detain Americans—many of whom are never formally charged.
Permanent Residents Face Deportation for Decades-Old Infractions
The situation is no better for green card holders, many of whom are long-time residents with U.S. families, jobs, and deep community ties.
Take the case of Tae Heung “Will” Kim, a researcher at Texas A&M and legal permanent resident for nearly two decades. After a 2011 misdemeanor marijuana conviction—sealed and long resolved—he was flagged at San Francisco Airport in July and taken into ICE custody. He's now facing possible removal proceedings.
We’ve also seen cases like Lewelyn Dixon, a 73-year-old green card holder from Washington with no new charges, who was detained based on a decades-old conviction. These detentions often result in lengthy confinement, legal uncertainty, and traumatic separation from family.
Legal and Constitutional Issues at Stake
Recent federal court rulings have temporarily blocked some of the most sweeping enforcement policies, citing due process violations and racial targeting. Still, many individuals continue to be caught up in mass raids and “silent” detentions without charges.
These actions raise urgent legal questions:
Are immigration agents checking legal status appropriately?
Are citizens and residents receiving due process and legal access?
Is racial profiling being used to select targets?
At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand how immigration enforcement without accountability can result in civil rights abuses, emotional trauma, and devastating family consequences.
What You Can Do — And How We Can Help
If you are a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or have a loved one affected by an immigration raid, do not assume it’s just a misunderstanding that will resolve on its own.
Here’s what we recommend:
Carry proof of status when traveling or if you fear being stopped.
Do not sign anything from immigration agents without speaking to a lawyer.
Contact a qualified immigration and civil rights attorney immediately if you or someone you know is detained—even if you are a U.S. citizen.
Apply for naturalization if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen. This may reduce your vulnerability under current enforcement policies.
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
At Ro Law Firm, we are committed to standing up for individuals who have been wrongfully targeted by immigration enforcement. Whether you are facing deportation based on an old record, detained without cause, or concerned about a loved one’s legal situation, we can help.
Schedule a confidential consultation today. Our attorneys in Las Vegas and Los Angeles are ready to help you. Contact us for a personalized review at (725)222-0236.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article or contacting the firm without a signed engagement agreement.