A California professor has been detained over accusations of throwing a tear gas canister at ICE agents during a raid aimed at investigating child labor violations on a marijuana farm.
Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a professor of math and philosophy at California State University Channel Islands, was taken into custody by federal agents during their operation at Glass House Farms in Ventura County on Thursday, as reported by ABC 7.
US Attorney Bill Essayli posted on X that Caravello was arrested for “throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement.”
Essayli mentioned that Caravello faces charges under “a violation of 18 USC 111” for allegedly “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees,” following federal legislation.
The US attorney also denied claims that the educator was “kidnapped” by federal agents.
On Friday, the California Faculty Association shared that Caravello was “kidnapped” by federal agents after protesters and law enforcement clashed during Thursday’s raid.
The post claimed that “4 masked agents dragged Jonathan away into an unmarked reason without identifying themselves, without giving the reason for arrest, and without disclosing where they are taking him.”
However, a criminal complaint obtained by the Ojai Valley News revealed “dozens of protestors attempt to obstruct the execution of the high-risk search warrant” near Glass House Farms.
The affidavit claims that Caravello was seen holding a “megaphone” walking along the yellow police tape, “loudly playing a siren sound” towards agents.
Protestors then later began throwing “rocks” at government vehicles, causing “large-scale damage, including broken windows, broken side view mirrors, and frame damage to the vehicles.”
As the escalation continued, agents deployed tear gas among the protestors to disperse them. Caravello was allegedly caught on an agent’s body camera footage attempting to “kick the canister,” but missed.
“Caravello turned around, ran towards the canister, picked it up, and threw the canister overhand back at BP agents,” the complaint claims.
“A BP Agent reported that the canister was thrown at law enforcement and recalls that the canister came within approximately several feet above law enforcement’s heads.”
Caravello then allegedly left the scene, but about “two hours later,” an individual matching his description returned wearing different clothes, according to the affidavit.
After determining he was the individual who threw the canister, two border patrol agents attempted to arrest him just before 6 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.
“As BP agents arrested Caravello, they placed him on his stomach on the ground. BP Agent R.C. gave Caravello verbal commands to give law enforcement officers his arms but Caravellowould not comply and attempted to grab a BP Agent’s leg,” the complaint alleged.
“As BP Agent R.C. and other BP agents attempted to detain Caravello, Caravello continuously kicked his legs and refused to give the BP agents his arms.”
Caravello has since been released from custody on $15,000 bail, with an arraignment set for Aug. 1.
California State University Channel Islands released a statement following his arrest, ABC 7 reported.
“At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest-an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans. If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release,” the statement read.
“The California State University remains committed to the principles of free expression, academic freedom, and due process, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Federal agents said they served a warrant on Glass House Farms after it was accused of hiring and harboring undocumented workers.
More than 350 undocumented workers were arrested in the raids at its locations in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
Officials said that “violent and dangerous criminals” were arrested during the operation, and “as of July 13, at least 14 migrant children have been rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.”
Officials also said that “more than 500 rioters attempted to disrupt operations,” leading to “four US citizens” being “criminally processed for assaulting or resisting officers.”
Glass House Farms is now facing alleged child labor law violations.
Glass House Brands stated in a press release that they complied with the federal warrants issued and “never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
with Post wires
