ICE and Border Patrol Raid Camarillo Marijuana Farm in Major Immigration Crackdown

CAMARILLO, Calif. — In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents conducted a large-scale raid on Glass House Farms, a prominent marijuana cultivation facility in Camarillo, Ventura County, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The operation, backed by a criminal judicial search warrant, targeted alleged violations of federal immigration law, specifically 8 USC 1324, which prohibits harboring illegal aliens.

According to three senior federal officials, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured the warrant from a federal judge based on evidence gathered by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit. The evidence reportedly indicates that Glass House Farms, one of the largest cannabis operations in California, has been employing undocumented workers. Authorities anticipate that the raid could result in “hundreds” of arrests, potentially making it one of the largest single immigration enforcement actions during President Trump’s current term.

The raid, which began early Thursday morning, saw federal agents, supported by National Guard personnel in military-style vehicles, descend on Glass House Farms’ facilities along Laguna Road and Las Posas Road. The operation quickly drew significant attention, with dramatic scenes unfolding as hundreds of protesters gathered to confront federal agents.

Videos circulating on social media showed tense standoffs, with agents deploying tear gas, smoke bombs, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. At least one protester reportedly fired a handgun at federal authorities, prompting the FBI to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s conviction.

The operation also sparked controversy after reports emerged that 10 undocumented juveniles, eight of whom were unaccompanied, were found working at the farm. Rodney S. Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighted the discovery, stating, “Here’s some breaking news: 10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility – all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations.” California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the raid’s tactics, sharing a video on social media showing children fleeing from chemical agents and questioning why minors were present at the facility.

Glass House Farms, a state-licensed cannabis operation, is considered illegal under federal law, which added complexity to the raid. U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli confirmed that agents executed multiple criminal search warrants and arrested several individuals for impeding the operation. He warned that further interference could lead to federal charges.

The raid has reignited debates over immigration enforcement and its impact on California’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on undocumented labor. Critics, including local advocacy groups like the 805 Immigrant Coalition, argue that such operations disrupt communities and exacerbate labor shortages. In June, similar raids in Ventura County detained over 30 immigrants, raising concerns about food supply chains. However, federal officials maintain that the enforcement actions target employers who knowingly violate immigration laws.

As the operation continues, the full scope of arrests and charges remains unclear. ICE has yet to release an official statement, but sources indicate that the Camarillo raid could set a precedent for future immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. The clash between federal priorities and local resistance underscores the deep divisions surrounding immigration policy in the United States.