Federal authorities have confirmed that over 300 illegal aliens were arrested on Thursday during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California. The operation, described as the second-largest single-state ICE worksite enforcement action in history, was conducted at the Glass House Farms, which is now under federal investigation for potential child labor law violations.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 319 unlawful immigrants were apprehended during the raid, which also led to the rescue of 14 children from potential forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking. The raid was described as one of the most significant immigration enforcement actions in recent years, surpassing only the 2019 Mississippi chicken plant raids that resulted in over 700 arrests. The scale of the operation highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers in the agricultural sector and the challenges faced by federal law enforcement in addressing such issues.
One of the detainees was a man with a history of violent crimes, including attempted child exploitation. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott posted a photo of the individual on X, stating that the person had been sentenced to seven years in prison for kidnapping and attempted rape, with a prior conviction for attempted child molestation. The individual was working alongside 10 other children at the farm, including a 14-year-old. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of the farm, particularly in light of recent reports of potential child labor violations.
The raid was marked by violent clashes between ICE agents and protesters, with at least one worker dying after falling from a 30-foot greenhouse structure during the operation. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of both law enforcement and workers during large-scale raids. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has taken to his social media platform to condemn the protesters, authorizing ICE to take all necessary precautions to protect itself during future operations. His comments reflect a broader political debate over the treatment of immigrants and the use of force in immigration enforcement.
Glass House Farms, owned by Graham Farrar, a co-founder and board director of the company, has deep ties to California politics. Farrar has donated to multiple Democratic politicians, including Governor Gavin Newsom, as well as to Republicans who support liberalizing cannabis laws. This connection has sparked speculation about the political implications of the raid, particularly as it intersects with ongoing debates over immigration policy and the legal status of cannabis cultivation in the state.