Professor Jonathan Anthony Caravello from California State University Channel Islands is facing federal charges after an incident during a protest in Camarillo last week. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, announced that Caravello, a math and philosophy lecturer, allegedly threw a tear gas canister at law enforcement during the protest, which occurred near the CSUCI campus. He will be charged under United States Penal Code 18 USC 111, which involves “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.”
The protest erupted as federal immigration agents conducted a raid at a Glass House Farms marijuana grow facility, where over 300 people were arrested, including some child workers. The California Faculty Association initially reported on social media that Caravello had been “kidnapped” by federal agents who did not identify themselves or disclose his whereabouts.
According to KTLA, CSUCI issued a statement expressing their understanding that Caravello was peacefully participating in the protest, an act protected under the First Amendment. They have called for his immediate release, pending confirmation of the circumstances.
While the California Faculty Association later confirmed that Caravello had been located and was in contact with his family, the specifics of his detention remain unclear. Caravello is scheduled for a court appearance today.
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