US Citizen Detained by ICE and Told His REAL ID Is 'Fake'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Leonardo García Venegas, a Florida-born U.S. citizen with a REAL ID, was forcibly arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an Alabama construction site after agents claimed his identification was "fake," Venegas told Noticias Telemundo in Spanish on Friday.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told Newsweek on Saturday morning that "there was no mistake" during the encounter, stating that Venegas "attempted to obstruct and prevent the lawful arrest of an illegal alien," thereby leading to his arrest.
Newsweek reached out to ICE for comment via email on Sunday. Newsweek also reached out to Venegas' cousin, Shelah Venegas, via Facebook Messenger for comment on Saturday.
Why It Matters
Venegas' arrest comes amid an immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, during which people with valid documentation—including green cards or visas—have been detained and face legal jeopardy. In April, President Donald Trump floated the idea of deporting U.S. citizens with violent criminal records to El Salvador.
Trump campaigned on a hardline immigration stance, pledging to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. In the initial months of his presidency, his administration has deported around 100,000 illegal immigrants, many due to his invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which grants the president authority to deport non-citizens without appearing before a judge, among other wartime authorities.
As of May 7, travelers need a REAL ID license or other specific state accepted identifications or passports to board federally regulated commercial aircraft and access certain federal facilities.
What To Know
On May 21, Venegas, 25, was wrestled down at a construction site in Foley, Alabama, by ICE agents. The video of the arrest was aired by Noticias Telemundo, and shows officers physically restraining him.
His cousin, Shelah Venegas, posted the video of his arrest on Facebook, writing, "These federal agents without a single cause completely harassed a family member who is a US CITIZEN!!"
Venegas provided the agents with his identification. The officials took it, told him it was fake, and then handcuffed him, he told Noticias Telemundo.
"Apparently a REAL ID is not valid anymore. He has a REAL ID," Shelah Venegas told NBC News. "We all made sure we have the REAL ID and went through the protocols the administration is asking for....He has his REAL ID and then they see him and I guess because his English isn't fluent and/or because he's brown it's fake, it's not real."
Venegas, whose parents are from Mexico, told Noticias Telemundo that he was released hours later from the vehicle he was being held in after reciting his Social Security number to the officials, further proving his U.S. citizenship.
When he returned to the construction site, ICE had detained other workers, including his 34-year-old brother who is reportedly undocumented, according to the Latin Times.
The Department of Homeland Security seal is seen on the podium at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters on April 9 in Washington. Inset: Leonardo Garcia Venegas, provided by Telemundo, is seen.
The Department of Homeland Security seal is seen on the podium at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters on April 9 in Washington. Inset: Leonardo Garcia Venegas, provided by Telemundo, is seen.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon/Telemundo
What People Are Saying
A DHS spokesperson told Newsweek in an email Saturday: "During a targeted worksite operation, this individual attempted to obstruct and prevent the lawful arrest of an illegal alien. He physically got in between agents and the subject they were attempting to arrest and refused to comply with numerous verbal commands. Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties, including U.S. citizens, will of course face consequences which include arrest."
Shelah Venegas, whose family owns a contracting company, told NBC News: "A lot of the people that work with us are not working....They are refusing to go to work. They said they are not going to go until this stuff calms down."
What Happens Next?
Many have raised concerns about the Trump administration's detention and deportation practices, saying the process often lacks due process protections for individuals. Supporters say the crackdown is necessary to deter illegal immigration and remove criminals.
Shelah Venegas told NBC News her cousin's brother has signed deportation papers as their family wanted to avoid him being detained "forever," a scenario they said happened with another family member.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
32 minutes ago
- CBS News
Bridging the gap: Miami-Dade youth program builds bonds between youth and MDSO deputies
In neighborhoods across Miami-Dade County, an after-school program is transforming how young people see law enforcement and how they see themselves. The Youth Outreach Unit, or YOU Program, is a mentorship initiative run by deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Developed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's office in 2021, the program serves students ages 10 to 17, many of whom have been directly or indirectly impacted by violence. For students like Nyla Theodore and William Gray, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing. "This was really my first time talking to police officers, like really talking to them," said Theodore. "Honestly, they've been amazing, real good," added Gray. "If I get angry about something, they'll try to do something with me to keep me calm and meditation, so I don't get overreacted." From fear to family Every weekday, deputies pick up participating students from school. They help with homework, provide transportation to extracurricular activities, and even ensure the kids get dinner before heading home. It's a level of care and attention that, for many families, has brought peace of mind and a powerful shift in perspective. "I was nervous and I was afraid of them," Gray admitted, "but then when I constantly kept coming—I started not to get afraid because I knew there was nothing bad or suspicious going on." Gray's mom, Tameka West, says the difference in her son is clear. "Since he started this program, I seen a little big change when it comes to his behavior," she said. "I just love these officers. They're like my family — and when I met them — they stuck with me. They can't go nowhere. I love them to death, I love them." For Theodore's mom, Nicolette Wright, the YOU Program has helped her daughter come out of her shell. "She's been more active, more social and it's been great for her," said Wright. "She loves coming here every day and she loves all of the officers." "As a mom, I know I feel way more comfortable with my child being around a bunch of officers," she continued. "It means a lot to me and they've been nothing but amazing. Very communicative, very upbeat and just helpful in all ways." Mentorship that matters While the program's focus is on youth affected by gun violence, it also supports kids impacted by other forms of trauma—or those simply in need of structure and support. "We provide mentorship for kids that have been affected by primarily gun violence," said Deputy Emory Hudson, who joined the program last year. "But we also know that violence affects children in different ways, so we also extend the program to youth that have been affected by other forms of violence as well." The goal is not only to keep kids out of trouble but to build trust and restore stability. "They're impacted so dramatically that they have a hard time functioning in school or in everyday life," Deputy Hudson said. "We try to mentor them, we try to guide them down the right path, and we try to re-establish that stability within the household." With over 50 students currently enrolled, the YOU Program is creating safer communities—not just by policing them, but by connecting with them on a deeply human level. For more information about the YOU Program, visit Miami-Dade County's Community Affairs Bureau page.
CBS News
35 minutes ago
- CBS News
Mural honoring Black history in Miami vandalized with racist graffiti, organizer says
A mural celebrating African American history at Dorsey Park in Miami's Overtown neighborhood has been defaced with racist graffiti, including a swastika and the N-word, according to organizers of the project. The vandalism appeared on a section of the mural at NW 17th St. and NW 1st Ave., part of a historic public art effort led by the MLK Mural Project, Urgent Inc., and Touching Miami with Love. Painted in 2012, the mural was created to honor the cultural legacy of Dorsey Park, once home to the Negro Leagues' Ethiopian Clowns. Artist and community organizer Kyle Holbrook, who founded the MLK Mural Project, led the effort to commemorate African American icons and local history. The mural features figures such as Jackie Robinson, whose image was among those defaced. "This was an act of hate, but it will not define us," Holbrook said. "This mural was born from a community's pride, history, and power. We will restore it—stronger, bolder, and with even more purpose. Black history is American history. And no spray paint can erase that truth." Local leaders, artists and residents are organizing efforts to restore and expand the mural, using the incident as a call for unity. Community members are being encouraged to participate in the restoration process as a show of resilience and solidarity. The mural's original goal, to uplift African-American stories and legacy, now carries an added message: that hate cannot erase history, organizers said.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Man admits to forging letter to frame immigrant witness in Milwaukee
Protesters gather outside of the Federal Building in Milwaukee to denounce the arrest of Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) A Milwaukee man was charged Monday after writing a letter to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump. Demetric Scott told investigators that he wrote the letter claiming to be 54-year Ramón Morales Reyes, a Mexican-born Milwaukee resident who does not have permanent legal status. Scott was already incarcerated in the Milwaukee County Jail for armed robbery and aggravated battery and allegedly victimized Morales Reyes when he committed that crime. WISN 12 reported that Scott told investigators that he wrote the letter framing Morales Reyes because he didn't want Morales Reyes to testify against him during his trial in July. Scott reportedly told a person during a recorded jailhouse call that if Morales Reyes 'gets picked up by ICE, there won't be a jury trial so they will probably dismiss it that day. That's my plan.' The letter Scott authored was written in perfect English, with only a few misspellings. 'We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans,' it stated, adding, 'I will self deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 (sic) to shoot your precious president in the head – I'll see you at one of his big ralleys (sic).' The letter was likely referring to a 30-6 (pronounced 30 odd six) high caliber rifle round, and appeared to be an assassination threat against the president. On Friday, lawyers representing Morales Reyes and local immigration advocates from Voces de la Frontera held a press conference, asserting that Morales Reyes could not have authored the letter. The 54-year-old father, who works as a dishwasher, comes from a rural part of Mexico where he received little formal education. He does not speak English and cannot read or write proficiently even in Spanish. After Morales Reyes was arrested by ICE, his daughter contacted Voces de la Frontera and shared information about his background. Days after the arrest, Department of Homeland (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem issued a press statement, condemning Morales Reyes as having threatened President Trump's life. Noem said the letter was part of a series of dangerous threats to the president. Morales Reyes' attorneys and Voces de la Frontera called on DHS to retract Noem's statement and clear his name. It's unclear why Noem issued the statement, as CNN reported that MPD was investigating the likelihood that the letter was a fake on the day Morales Reyes was arrested. Scott told investigators that he did not receive any help in writing the letters. Democratic U.S. Reps. Gween Moore and Mark Pocan visited the Dodge County jail, Wisconsin's only ICE detention facility Monday, on a congressional oversight visit. They were not permitted to talk to anyone incarcerated there and did not receive any response to their questions from ICE. 'In this facility, ICE is still detaining Ramón Morales Reyes despite being wrongfully accused of a crime,' Moore and Pocan said in a joint statement. 'ICE is also working without transparency to Congress, which was only magnified by today's visit when we tried to call the local Milwaukee field office number on its website, but the number was disconnected. It is unacceptable for ICE to be inaccessible to Members of Congress. As members of Congress, we will continue using all tools available to conduct oversight.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
