Andrew Wimer Andrew Wimer Published May 11, 2026 Leo Garcia Venegas is an American citizen who works in construction in south Alabama. He’s suing the government over the Fourth Amendment violating tactics immigration officers have been using on construction sites. He was recently detained by officers for a third time even though every time he identified himself as a U.S. citizen and immediately presented his REAL ID, which can only be issued to citizens or legal residents. Last year, Leo was detained twice on construction sites. But about a week ago, immigration officers trailed him back to his home and blocked him into his driveway. Leo immediately told the officers he was a citizen and showed them his ID. Without asking any questions or issuing any orders, the officers pulled Leo out of his car, tackled him to the ground, and shackled his arms and legs. He was placed into the back of a car while officers proved to their own satisfaction that Leo is a citizen. They only let him go after they searched Leo’s car. U.S. citizens can’t be treated this way when they’ve done nothing wrong. Leo wasn’t stopped for any traffic violation and he wasn’t given any citation. This is now the third time he’s been detained, and twice now he has been violently tackled and restrained in the process. Fortunately, Leo’s Institute for Justice case to stop these Fourth Amendment violations is moving forward. Earlier this week there was a hearing to consider whether there should be an injunction making officers comply with the Constitution or whether the government’s move to dismiss the case should be granted. There wasn’t a major decision this week, but the judge has ordered a hearing for the end of the month where Leo, immigration officers, and possibly others who have been similarly harmed will present testimony. Leo’s lawsuit seeks to stop the Fourth Amendment violations of his rights and others like him. 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