A massive protest spiraled into violence Thursday as federal agents carried out immigration raids at two California marijuana farms suspected of employing illegal aliens, including children. The raids were part of a broader crackdown on labor violations and human trafficking at state-licensed cannabis operations.
According to authorities, agents executed search warrants at Glass House Farms locations in Camarillo and Carpinteria—two towns along the southern California coast. But what began as an enforcement operation quickly devolved into chaos as hundreds of leftist activists descended on the sites to interfere with arrests.
Federal officials said approximately 500 protesters gathered outside the Camarillo location, blocking access to the farm and confronting federal officers. Video footage shows the mob throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles, breaking windows, and in at least one instance, opening fire on federal agents. Smoke canisters were deployed to disperse the violent crowd. At least seven people were hospitalized or treated on the scene.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli confirmed that arrests had already been made for interfering with the lawful operation and warned that more would follow. “Don’t interfere. You will be arrested and charged with a federal offense,” he stated.
The FBI later offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual who fired a pistol at officers near Camarillo.
FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo. The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26pm on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd.… pic.twitter.com/XG94sTQEVR
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 11, 2025
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott also weighed in, revealing the disturbing reality behind the raids: ten juveniles were discovered at one of the marijuana facilities, eight of whom were unaccompanied illegal aliens. The site is now under investigation for child labor violations.
“This is Newsom’s California,” Scott said bluntly, in response to a post by Governor Gavin Newsom that accused federal agents of using excessive force. Newsom shared a video of workers fleeing the farm, claiming “kids [were] running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields.” He also took a swipe at President Trump, writing, “Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum.”
Here’s some breaking news: 10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility – all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations.
This is Newsom’s California. https://t.co/Z1XoRMtBSN
— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) July 11, 2025
Critics say Newsom and other Democrats are stoking violence with their incendiary rhetoric. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), whose district includes Carpinteria, called the raids “overkill” and claimed federal “tactics” were provoking unrest. His comments came just days after a separate attack on a Border Patrol station in Texas left multiple law enforcement officers wounded.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted Democrats for undermining law enforcement and demonizing immigration agents. “ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off our streets and out of our communities,” Leavitt said. “They are making America safer, and Democrats are shamelessly attacking them for it.”
The Trump administration has vowed to continue its crackdown on illegal immigration and labor exploitation, despite growing resistance from far-left activists and sanctuary state politicians.