Federal Immigration Raid Sparks Tensions at Cannabis Farms

A federal immigration operation at cannabis farms in California led to a confrontation between federal agents and protesters. The incident occurred north of Los Angeles at Glass House Farms, a state-licensed cannabis facility in Camarillo, which remains illegal under federal law. Federal authorities, armed with a warrant, targeted the farm for allegedly employing illegal immigrants. A similar raid took place at another Glass House Farm location in Carpinteria.

Protesters Confront Federal Agents

The operation quickly escalated as protesters clashed with federal agents. The agents resorted to using tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. Military helicopters were observed flying low over the fields, a tactic typically employed to locate individuals attempting to evade capture. The aggressive measures taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have drawn criticism from local officials and community members.

Local Leaders Condemn Federal Actions

Luis Mc Arthur, the mayor of nearby Oxnard, expressed his disapproval on social media, highlighting the distress caused by ICE’s actions. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the Attorney General and Governor’s office to explore legal options against such operations. U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal also criticized the raid, describing it as excessive and inappropriate for American soil.

Injuries and Detentions Reported

The Ventura County Fire Department reported that four individuals were hospitalized following the clash, while three others received treatment on-site. Footage captured by news outlets showed several people being detained during the operation.

Ongoing Controversy Over Immigration Raids

This raid is part of a series of immigration enforcement actions in Southern California that have sparked outrage among Democratic officials. Earlier in the week, a similar operation took place in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, prompting condemnation from Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. Both officials have criticized the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that it instills fear rather than ensuring public safety.