Leo Garcia Venegas, an American citizen and construction worker, has been arrested and detained by federal immigration officers, not once, not twice, but <\/span>three times<\/span><\/a> since the spring of 2025, despite carrying and presenting an Alabama REAL ID each time. A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that his lawsuit against the Trump administration for violating his Fourth Amendment rights can <\/span>move forward<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Venegas was working early on May 21, 2025, laying the foundation for a new home in Foley, Alabama, southeast of Mobile, when he saw “five armed men in camouflage” jump the property line fence and run toward the construction workers, according to his <\/span>complaint<\/span><\/a> filed in the Southern District of Alabama. Venegas quickly began recording on his phone after one of the officers physically assaulted his brother, another worker at the construction site.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Video<\/span><\/a> of the incident shows another officer approach Venegas. “Yes, immigration,” the masked officer says. Venegas sidesteps the man, trying to get clear footage of his brother’s ongoing arrest. “You’re making this more complicated than you want to,” the officer says while following Venegas. “Don’t touch me! I’m a citizen!” Venegas exclaims as the officer grabs him by the arm and tries to force him to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll show you my papers now! I’m a citizen!” pleads Venegas. Additional officers run over to assist in the tackle. “Get on the fucking ground now!” one yells, and Venegas falls to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n