Federal immigration agents, with National Guard support, conducted raids on Thursday at two cannabis farms in Southern California, leading to the arrest of dozens, including undocumented minors. The operations took place at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another facility in Carpinteria, sparking protests and clashes with authorities.
In Camarillo, federal agents executed a search warrant, alleging the farm employed undocumented workers. ABC7 reported that the protests turned violent as agents used smoke canisters and tear gas to disperse the crowd. During the chaos, a protester allegedly fired a gun at federal agents, prompting an FBI investigation and a $50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
According to Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said, “10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility, all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations.”
The raid drew criticism from local officials, including U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal, who was denied entry to the site. He described the operation as “overkill” and expressed concerns about the tactics used.
The protests continued late into the night, with demonstrators clashing with agents. Fox News reported that the Ventura County Fire Department treated several individuals affected by tear gas, and some were transported to hospitals.
The raids have sparked a broader debate about immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on local communities. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the operation, highlighting the distress caused to families and workers.
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