Trump Administration Defends ICE Raids Amid Criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom

Tensions between the Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom have escalated after federal immigration authorities raided two marijuana farms in Southern California, leading to multiple arrests and the discovery of unaccompanied migrant children working at the sites.

Governor Newsom, widely seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, took to social media to condemn the raids. In a strongly worded post, he accused federal agents of endangering vulnerable communities. “Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum,” Newsom wrote, alongside a video showing individuals fleeing tear gas allegedly used by immigration agents.

In response, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin fired back with pointed criticism of Newsom’s stance, accusing him of protecting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. “These are the violent monsters @GavinNewsom is defending,” McLaughlin said. She highlighted one specific case from the raid, stating that a man working at the marijuana farm had been previously convicted of attempted child molestation and sentenced to seven years in prison for kidnapping and attempted rape. “This individual was found working at the same site as nine unaccompanied children. This is depraved,” she added.

The raids, which took place around 8:30 a.m. at facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria, led to chaotic scenes and significant public backlash. Hundreds of protesters arrived within hours of the enforcement actions, with some clashing violently with federal agents. According to KTLA, demonstrators blocked roads, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas and less-lethal rounds to disperse the crowd.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott also weighed in online, revealing that 10 undocumented minors were found at the Camarillo farm, eight of whom were unaccompanied. He stated that the operation was now the subject of a broader federal investigation into potential child labor violations. “This is Newsom’s California,” Scott wrote in a sharply worded post.

In an official statement posted on the DHS social media account, federal officials pushed back against Newsom’s criticisms by pointing out the disturbing presence of children working in such hazardous conditions. “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?” read one DHS post. Another highlighted a larger concern: “The Biden administration lost approximately 300,000 unaccompanied children—many of whom were trafficked or exploited. ICE and CBP agents just rescued 8 migrant children from what appears to be forced labor and potential trafficking.”

The agency emphasized that protecting minors from exploitation should be a bipartisan priority. “Unaccompanied migrant children shouldn’t be forced into labor at California marijuana facilities,” DHS added, accompanied by a historical illustration of civic protest.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the raids and warned the public against interfering with federal operations. “Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm. Multiple arrests have already been made. Anyone who obstructs this investigation will be charged,” he wrote.

Later in the day, the situation grew more dangerous. Around 12:35 p.m., federal officers deployed tear gas after protesters blocked traffic in both directions on Laguna Road. Things turned even more serious in the afternoon when a man allegedly fired a handgun at law enforcement personnel. Essayli posted a video of the incident, calling on the public to help identify the suspect.

“The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the individual who fired at federal agents near Camarillo,” Essayli posted. The shooting took place on July 10, 2025, around 2:26 p.m. on Laguna Road between Wood Road and Las Posas Road.

The raids and subsequent fallout have reignited debates over immigration policy, federal enforcement actions in sanctuary states like California, and the treatment of undocumented minors. As the political feud between Newsom and the Trump administration intensifies, both sides remain locked in a battle not only over immigration but over the broader direction of the country heading into the 2028 election season.

While the Biden administration has not officially responded to the incident, the revelations surrounding child labor and prior convictions have added complexity to an already polarized discussion. The investigation into Glass House Farms and potential human trafficking continues.