Congressional Dish CD329: Citizens Detained
Dec 22, 2025
This discussion reveals harrowing testimonies from U.S. citizens violently detained by DHS agents, often despite identifying themselves as Americans. It explores a concealed congressional hearing, a damning Senate report, and shocking individual stories like that of a veteran tear-gassed and jailed without charges. The conversation also covers the legal breakdown that allows these detentions, the profiling that fuels them, and proposed reforms to protect citizens' rights. A mix of alarming facts and urgent calls for accountability sets a tense backdrop.
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Veteran Dragged From Car And Held
- George Redis was driving to work when masked DHS agents smashed his window, sprayed chemicals, and detained him despite identifying as a U.S. citizen and veteran.
- He was held three days with no charges, no phone call, no lawyer, and put on suicide watch without medical care.
Global Entry Traveler Detained And Stripped
- Wilmer Chavaria was detained at Houston customs despite Global Entry approval and presenting his passport.
- Officers seized his devices, denied counsel or phone calls, interrogated him for hours, and then revoked his Global Entry.
Small Worker Falsely Charged After Street Arrest
- Andrea Velez was grabbed by masked plainclothes agents in downtown LA, handcuffed despite repeatedly showing ID and asserting U.S. citizenship.
- She spent 48 hours detained, was falsely charged with assault, and the charge was dropped after her attorney sought bodycam footage.