DHS Pushes Back on Newsom as ICE Raids California Farms, Rescues Migrant Children from Suspected Exploitation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is defending its recent immigration enforcement actions in California amid growing political tensions and a viral video showing federal agents raiding agricultural sites—some reportedly using unaccompanied migrant children as cheap labor.

The backlash follows an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a marijuana cultivation facility in Ventura County, where law enforcement officials say they discovered and rescued eight unaccompanied minors who were allegedly being exploited for labor.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), DHS highlighted the seriousness of the situation: “The Biden administration lost ~300,000 unaccompanied children—many of these innocent children were trafficked and exploited,” the department wrote. “At the Ventura, California marijuana facility, [ICE] and [CBP] law enforcement rescued 8 unaccompanied migrant children from what looks like exploitation, violation of child labor laws and potentially human trafficking or smuggling.”

The statement included a firm message: “Unaccompanied migrant children shouldn’t be forced into labor at California marijuana facilities,” paired with a historical sketch of a man voicing concern at a town hall, seemingly underscoring the gravity of the issue.

Governor Newsom Responds, DHS Fires Back

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, posted a sharp response condemning the raids. While Newsom framed the actions as federal overreach, DHS responded bluntly via its official account, asking, “Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?”

The public exchange added fuel to an already volatile national debate over immigration policy, labor practices, and the responsibilities of state versus federal governments in addressing illegal immigration and child welfare.

Trump Authorizes Aggressive ICE Response to Protesters

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump weighed in following reports that ICE agents were confronted by demonstrators during the California operations. According to federal officials, agents faced violent resistance, including rocks and bricks thrown at their vehicles during enforcement activities near cannabis farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned the attacks and announced that he had granted “total authorization” for immigration agents to defend themselves.

“I watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers,” Trump wrote. “Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles. I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.”

Trump directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to issue orders allowing law enforcement personnel to arrest anyone attacking officers “using whatever means is necessary.”

“I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again,” Trump stated. “Authorization immediately granted for arrest and incarceration.”

Death Reported During Raid, DHS Clarifies

Following the raids, the United Farm Workers union reported that a worker had died as a result of injuries sustained during the enforcement actions. However, DHS officials disputed this claim, providing clarification about the circumstances of the incident.

“This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet. CBP immediately called for a medivac to get him emergency medical care.”

ICE Under Fire Amid Rising Rhetoric

As public reaction to the raids intensifies, federal immigration officials say the growing hostility toward their agents is placing lives at risk. Border Czar Tom Homan recently called on Democratic lawmakers to tone down inflammatory language directed at immigration authorities.

“The rhetoric against the men and women of ICE is skyrocketing, especially by members of Congress,” Homan said during an appearance on America’s Newsroom. “We’ve seen ICE compared to Nazis and racists, and it just continues.”

Homan’s warning comes days after a Texas police officer was shot outside an ICE detention facility—a tragedy that many within the agency fear is linked to heightened political tensions.

Child Labor Concerns Take Center Stage

While political leaders clash, child welfare advocates are sounding the alarm about the apparent use of underage migrant labor at farms in California.

Federal officials say the discovery of unaccompanied children working at cannabis facilities raises serious questions not only about immigration enforcement but also about labor violations and potential trafficking networks.

As investigations continue, the Biden administration is facing criticism from both sides—accused by progressives of harsh enforcement, and by conservatives of neglecting the border and allowing child exploitation to flourish.

In the face of growing scrutiny, DHS has doubled down on its message: protecting vulnerable minors and enforcing federal laws remain top priorities—even in politically sensitive states like California.