Federal authorities have announced that over 300 undocumented individuals were detained on Thursday following an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, shared on X that 319 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody during the operation at Glass House Farms. She also mentioned that law enforcement helped rescue 14 children, protecting them from possible forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking.
This event is considered the second-largest ICE worksite operation in a single state, only surpassed by the 2019 Mississippi chicken plant raids under the Trump administration, where nearly 700 undocumented individuals were arrested.
Federal immigration agents toss tear gas at protesters during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025. The United Farm Workers on Friday said one farm worker died after being injured during the raid. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)
Glass House Farms is under investigation for possible child labor law violations.
The company’s co-founder, president and board director, Graham Farrar, donated $10,000 to California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2018, among other Democratic politicians. He has also donated to Republicans, and shown support for Republicans who expressed support for liberalizing cannabis laws.
A violent clash erupted between ICE agents and protesters during the massive raid. Federal law enforcement agents were assaulted during the operation, and one combatant appeared to fire a handgun towards agents as the crowd was dispersed with tear gas.
One worker died during the raid after climbing a 30-foot greenhouse and subsequently falling from it.
Protesters are blocked by federal immigration agents during a raid in the agricultural area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)
An irate Trump took to his Truth Social platform to blast the protesters, and authorize ICE to take whatever precautions are necessary to protect themselves during future raids.
“I am on my way back from Texas, and watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers while they were moving down a roadway in their car and/or official vehicle,” he said.
“Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles. I know for a fact that these Officers are having a hard time with allowing this to happen in that it shows such total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER.
“I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public,” he wrote. “I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
