California Cannabis Farm Tied to Alleged Child Labor, Political Donations, and Immigration Controversy

A major cannabis operation in California has come under fire following a federal raid that revealed alleged employment of underage migrant workers and undocumented laborers, some of whom were reportedly working in dangerous conditions.

Glass House Farms, a large-scale cannabis cultivation site based in Ventura County and operated by Glass House Brands, was the target of an immigration enforcement raid that took place last Thursday. Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 361 undocumented workers, including 14 minors. Of those minors, eight were reportedly unaccompanied by adults. The operation turned chaotic, with protestors clashing violently with officers. Tragically, one worker died after falling from a greenhouse structure during the confrontation.

Glass House Farms, once held up as a model of environmentally sustainable cannabis production in California, is co-founded by Graham Farra and Kyle Kazan. While the company has long marketed itself as a champion of green practices and social responsibility, the recent allegations have cast a shadow over its public image.

The company’s leadership has responded with strong denials. In a statement posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Glass House Brands asserted: “We have never knowingly employed underage workers or violated labor laws. Our hiring processes are stringent and legally compliant.” Farra himself posted that their focus remains on “caring for our people and our plants,” though the post has since been deleted.

Farra, who has played a central role in shaping the image and success of Glass House Brands, has also been active in California politics. Public records show he has made multiple contributions to Democratic campaigns, including a $10,000 donation to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2018 election fund. He has also donated to the Santa Barbara County Democratic Central Committee’s federal political action committee and to U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA). In 2019, Farra was even photographed presenting a large ceremonial check to local educators to fund scholarships.

These political contributions have stirred controversy in the wake of the raid, as critics question whether political influence may have shielded the company from earlier scrutiny. However, Governor Newsom’s office has not responded to direct questions about the donations or the child labor findings. Newsom did, however, publicly push back on criticism, pointing out that co-founder Kyle Kazan is a known supporter of former President Donald Trump and even contributed to the effort to recall Newsom.

Newsom wrote on X: “It’s ironic for Fox News and Trump officials to highlight Democratic donations when the company’s CEO supported my recall and has a history of donating to Republicans.”

Kazan, a former police officer and schoolteacher, helped launch Glass House Brands with Farra and has served as its CEO. Business analysts valued the company at around $300 million as of last year. While Kazan has advocated for ethical cannabis production, reports from the raid suggest a different reality on the ground.

Federal officials have voiced concern over what they describe as potentially exploitative labor practices. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin called the situation “deeply troubling,” suggesting the case may involve forced labor, trafficking, or smuggling, in addition to violations of immigration law. “What we saw looked like child exploitation and serious labor abuses,” she said in a press briefing.

Among those arrested was Juan Duarte-Velasquez, a Mexican national with previous convictions for rape and driving under the influence. His presence on the site has further inflamed public opinion and prompted questions about oversight and background checks.

The federal operation has also become a flashpoint in the larger political battle over immigration enforcement. Following reports that ICE officers were attacked with projectiles during the raid, former President Trump responded forcefully. In a post on Truth Social, he stated he had watched video footage of what he described as “thugs throwing rocks and bricks” at law enforcement.

In response, Trump issued a directive authorizing immigration officers to defend themselves using “whatever means necessary.” He added that law enforcement must never again be subjected to such attacks without immediate and decisive action. “I am giving full authorization for ICE and Homeland Security to protect themselves and arrest anyone assaulting officers. These slimeballs must be taken off the streets,” he wrote.

As the investigation continues, Glass House Brands has yet to issue a more detailed response beyond its initial denial. The company’s future—and its image as a beacon of sustainable cannabis—is now entangled in a web of political donations, federal enforcement, and serious questions about labor practices behind the scenes.