Nearly 400 Illegals Arrested In Raid On California Pot Farm, DHS Says
Federal agents arrested 361 suspected illegal immigrants and rescued 14 children — including 10 who were unaccompanied — during a large-scale immigration raid at a marijuana grow operation in Camarillo, California last week, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“This is rapidly becoming one of the largest operations since President Trump took office,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin on Fox News. She confirmed many of those arrested had violent criminal histories, including charges like child molestation, kidnapping, rape, and serial burglary.
“These are people that should not be in our communities illegally, much less around innocent children,” McLaughlin said, adding that the children rescued may have been subjected to forced labor, smuggling, or trafficking.
UPDATE on the California marijuana facilities operation: Our brave agents arrested at least *361* illegal aliens—including criminals with convictions for rape, kidnapping, child molestation, serial burglary, hit and run, and DUI.
At that same site, @ICEgov and @CBP law… pic.twitter.com/akXt6RFOJU
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) July 14, 2025
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents encountered violent resistance during the raid, including leftist protesters throwing rocks and at least one gunman firing at agents. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the gunman’s conviction.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott shared a photo of the minors found at the site, calling attention to the exploitation of children. “California, are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation?” he asked.
These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility – almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14.
California are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation? https://t.co/s6VATstZ4G pic.twitter.com/M96nR0gqoU
— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) July 11, 2025
California Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, condemned the operation. Newsom accused agents of “snatching children” and falsely claimed they were tear-gassing minors. Rep. Salud Carbajal called the raid “disproportionate” and claimed federal actions were “escalating violence.”
Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields.
Trump calls me “Newscum” — but he’s the real scum. pic.twitter.com/fj0l25mRBN
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 11, 2025
Trump administration officials rejected the criticism as reckless and dangerous, arguing that leftist rhetoric is fueling hostility toward law enforcement. ICE facilities and agents have faced increasing attacks in recent months.
President Donald Trump responded directly to the Camarillo raid, authorizing agents to respond with full force against violence. “Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the public,” Trump said Friday. “Stop the car and arrest these SLIMEBALLS using whatever means is necessary.”
The raid highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration and child exploitation — and sets up a direct confrontation with Democrat-led states openly defying federal enforcement efforts.