On Thursday, a protest at an immigration enforcement operation in Ventura County escalated when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents deployed tear gas on a gathering crowd. The incident occurred at a cannabis farm on Laguna Road in Camarillo, with reports of a large federal law enforcement presence in the fields. Witnesses reported that agents were detaining workers. Another operation was noted at the Glass House location in Carpinteria.
The raid is part of a series of immigration enforcement actions across Southern California, targeting produce farms. According to NBC Los Angeles, over 30 farmworkers were detained, with 23 identified as Mexican nationals. According to Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, “10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility, all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations.”
Records show the farm was approved for cannabis licenses, however, cannabis is still illegal under federal law.
Federal agents reportedly attempted to inspect nine farms but were turned away for lack of a warrant, according to Lucas Zucker from the Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. The heightened enforcement has led to protests, with locals rallying to support undocumented workers.
The protests reflect broader concerns about the impact of immigration policies on the agriculture industry in California. KeyT News reported that the raids have led to a decrease in business for local farm stands and gas stations. Many residents learned about the raids through social media, prompting spontaneous demonstrations.
The protests are part of a larger movement against immigration enforcement actions, with plans for a nationwide day of action on Saturday organized by the “No Kings” movement. Locally, rallies are planned at various locations, including the Ventura County Government Center Hall of Justice.
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