Federal Immigration Raids at California Cannabis Farms Spark Outrage, Violence, and Political Firestorm

Federal immigration authorities, backed by the National Guard, launched early-morning raids at two cannabis farms in Southern California this week, detaining dozens of individuals—including undocumented minors—in what officials are calling a major enforcement operation against illegal labor and potential human trafficking.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the coordinated raids occurred around 8:30 a.m. at separate locations: one in Camarillo and another approximately 35 miles north in Carpinteria. The facilities were identified as operating under Glass House Farms, a major cannabis grower in the region.

What began as a standard federal operation quickly escalated into a volatile scene. Protesters gathered in large numbers shortly after immigration officers arrived, leading to confrontations with law enforcement and ultimately violent clashes. Sky5 news helicopters captured overhead footage showing a heavy federal presence in the fields of Camarillo as agents moved through the property, detaining workers while crowds swelled along nearby roads.

By midday, tensions had erupted. Around 12:30 p.m., demonstrators blocked both directions of traffic on Laguna Road, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and non-lethal rounds to disperse the crowd. Multiple arrests were made throughout the day, some for interfering with federal operations.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed on social media that agents found ten undocumented minors working at the Camarillo site, eight of whom were unaccompanied children. The revelation sparked renewed concern over child labor practices in the cannabis industry, as well as broader issues of migrant exploitation.

“Glass House is now under active investigation for potential violations of federal child labor laws,” Scott posted. He also took a swipe at California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is rumored to be eyeing a 2028 presidential campaign. “This is Newsom’s California,” Scott wrote pointedly.

Governor Newsom fired back, accusing the Trump administration of staging a politically motivated crackdown designed to stir unrest. However, DHS was quick to respond, posting, “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?”

The DHS official account continued its criticism: “The Biden administration lost approximately 300,000 unaccompanied minors. Many were trafficked or exploited. At the Ventura site, ICE and CBP rescued eight unaccompanied children from what appears to be a situation involving illegal labor and possibly human smuggling or trafficking.”

In a further post, DHS emphasized the broader message: “Unaccompanied migrant children should not be forced into labor in cannabis farms in California. This is a failure of oversight and compassion.”

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed that the operation was backed by federal search warrants and warned the public to stay clear of enforcement actions. “Interfering with a lawful federal operation is a crime,” he posted online. “Multiple arrests have already been made, and we will continue to detain those who obstruct.”

Later in the day, Essayli released a video showing an unidentified individual allegedly firing a handgun at federal agents on Laguna Road during the protests. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter, who remains at large. The shooting reportedly occurred at approximately 2:26 p.m. near the intersection of Wood Road and Las Posas Road.

President Donald Trump also weighed in on the incident while traveling back from Texas. On his Truth Social account, he condemned the violent resistance faced by agents, citing damage to government vehicles and the physical danger posed to officers.

“I watched in disbelief as THUGS were throwing rocks and bricks at ICE officers,” Trump wrote. “They were attacking agents while they were moving in clearly marked federal vehicles.”

In response, Trump said he had granted “total authorization” for immigration agents and Homeland Security personnel to defend themselves. “I have directed Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to ensure our officers have the authority to arrest and neutralize any threat with whatever means necessary,” he declared.

As the political battle intensifies, the incident has once again placed the spotlight on border security, immigration enforcement, and the treatment of undocumented minors in the United States. Investigations into the cannabis facilities involved are ongoing, and federal officials have signaled that more actions may follow.

For now, the images of children working in the fields, law enforcement clashing with crowds, and gunfire on a rural California road have ignited a national debate that is far from over.