Federal immigration agents, supported by the National Guard, conducted simultaneous raids on two cannabis farms in Southern California on July 10, 2025. The operations, which took place at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another facility in Carpinteria, resulted in numerous arrests, including undocumented minors. The raids sparked significant protests, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
At approximately 08:30, federal agents descended on the farms, with a large presence documented in the fields. Video footage captured by Nexstar’s KTLA showed agents detaining workers as several hundred protesters gathered to oppose the operation. Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, confirmed the actions, stating on social media, “Federal agents are executing a search warrant at this marijuana farm.” He warned that individuals obstructing the operation would face arrest.
Tensions escalated in the early afternoon when law enforcement deployed tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds to disperse crowds blocking roadways on Laguna Road. By 12:35, reports indicated that five individuals sustained injuries during the confrontation; they were treated by first responders from the Ventura County Fire Department, who stated their presence was strictly for medical assistance, unrelated to federal immigration enforcement activities.
During the operation, Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, revealed that ten undocumented minors were discovered at the Camarillo site, eight of whom were unaccompanied. This led to an investigation into potential child labor violations at Glass House Farms. Scott’s remarks underscored the issue, stating, “This is Newsom’s California,” referencing the state’s approach to immigration and labor laws.
The situation took a serious turn when a man allegedly fired a weapon at federal agents. U.S. law enforcement subsequently announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible. The shooting occurred shortly after 14:26 on Laguna Road, as protests intensified.
Throughout the day, approximately 200 protesters remained outside the farm, demonstrating against the federal actions. Congressman Salud Carbajal attempted to access the area but was denied entry. He later issued a statement criticizing the lack of transparency from the Department of Homeland Security, calling the enforcement tactics “militarized ICE raids.” He emphasized the psychological toll on families and communities affected by such operations.
In the late evening, DHS officials shared a video on social media in which California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump’s derogatory nickname for him. In response to the ongoing situation, the DHS questioned the presence of minors in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for accountability.
In a statement regarding the raids, Marc Cohodes, an investor in Glass House Farms, labeled the actions “beyond outrageous.” The company, which claims to be the largest legal cannabis cultivator globally, stated that it fully complied with the search warrants issued by federal agents.
As of now, it remains unclear how many individuals, including undocumented workers and protesters, were detained during the operation. The DHS reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws, stating, “DHS law enforcement is executing criminal warrants at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law.”
This operation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and labor issues in the context of California’s evolving cannabis industry.