Massive ICE Operation Uncovers Illegal Activity

In a significant operation, federal authorities arrested over 300 individuals during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, confirmed on social media platform X that 319 unlawful immigrants were apprehended at Glass House Farms. This operation is considered the second-largest single-state ICE worksite raid in history, following the 2019 Mississippi chicken plant raids under the first Trump administration.

Child Labor and Exploitation Concerns

The raid revealed alarming issues of potential forced labor and exploitation. Law enforcement rescued 14 children from the site, who were at risk of trafficking and exploitation. These children, originating from Mexico and Honduras, were found working alongside adults with criminal backgrounds. Authorities are currently reviewing the criminal histories of all detained individuals to assess further risks and violations.

Criminal Backgrounds Among Detainees

Among those arrested was a man with a history of violent crime, including attempted child exploitation. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott shared details about this individual on X, highlighting his previous convictions for kidnapping and attempted rape. The presence of such individuals at the farm underscores the serious nature of the violations uncovered during the raid.

Investigation into Glass House Farms

Glass House Farms is now under federal investigation for potential child labor law violations. The company’s co-founder, Graham Farrar, has been noted for his political contributions to both Democratic and Republican figures, raising questions about political influences and oversight in the industry.

Protests and Violence During the Raid

The operation was met with violent protests, resulting in clashes between ICE agents and demonstrators. During these confrontations, federal agents were assaulted, and one protester allegedly fired a handgun towards officers. In the chaos, a worker tragically died after falling from a greenhouse structure.

Response from Former President Trump

President Donald Trump expressed his outrage over the violence against law enforcement on his Truth Social platform. He emphasized the need for ICE to take necessary precautions to protect themselves during future operations, granting full authorization for arrest and incarceration to ensure officer safety.