In one of the biggest immigration enforcement operations since President Donald Trump was sworn into office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested more than 360 people in a large raid on Glass House Farms’ marijuana growing operations in Camarillo and Carpinteria north of Los Angeles.
The raids, conducted last week, were against suspected child labor, human trafficking, and abusive labor practices in the workplace. Tactical-clad officers raided greenhouses and the surrounding areas, causing panic among workers and residents in the area.
Worker Dies While Hiding, Protests Erupt
During the operation, a 57-year-old worker fell from the roof of a greenhouse while trying to hide and died two days later in the hospital. His death intensified tensions, as dozens of residents gathered outside the facility to protest what they called excessive and militarized action by federal agents.
As DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained, things escalated into violence: “Agents were attacked with bricks, rocks, and even shots.” The armed officers retaliated by throwing tear gas and less-lethal projectiles to regain order.
Four U.S. citizens were also taken into custody, charged with assaulting or resisting law enforcement officers.
Federal Justification and Allegations
The DHS justified the raid, rejecting charges of racial profiling. Authorities confirmed 361 had been arrested, four of whom had previous convictions, including rape and kidnapping. The agency further disclosed that 14 juveniles were found working on-siteāan alarming sign of potential exploitation.
Glass House Farms, initially opened in Carpinteria, had just expanded to Camarillo, running greenhouses for cannabis and tomatoes.
Political Fallout and Legal Challenges
President Donald Trump, in response to the raid on Truth Social, stated: “Authorities should use whatever means are necessary to arrest people who do not obey the law.”
The raids have, however, triggered legal and political fallout. A federal court recently issued an injunction to stop sweeping immigration stops in seven California counties. The Justice Department has appealed the injunction, describing it as too ambiguous and unworkable to enforce.
In answer to residents’ fears, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive order to aid the impacted residents. The city will give emergency cash assistance, train personnel, and establish a police working group to respond to future immigration-related emergencies.
