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U.S. Citizen Released After ICE Detains Him Over Alleged 'Fake' REAL ID

Leonardo Garcia Venegas, detained during an ICE operation in Alabama, was released after verifying his citizenship with his Social Security number.

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(L): The Department of Homeland Security seal is seen on the podium at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Washington. (R): Leonardo Garcia Venegas, provided by Telemundo
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Leonardo Garcia Venegas was arrested on Wednesday

Overview

  • Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a Florida-born U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE agents at an Alabama construction site on May 21, 2025, after they claimed his REAL ID was fake.
  • The Department of Homeland Security stated that Venegas was arrested for obstructing the lawful arrest of an undocumented individual during the operation.
  • Venegas denied the obstruction claim, asserting he was attempting to film the arrests when his phone was taken and thrown to the ground by an agent.
  • He was released hours later after providing his Social Security number to confirm his U.S. citizenship, while four others, including his undocumented brother, were detained.
  • The incident has reignited concerns over racial profiling, due process, and the treatment of both U.S. citizens and undocumented individuals under the Trump administration's immigration policies.