Federal agents, in a joint operation with the National Guard, conducted raids on two cannabis farms in Southern California, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the discovery of unaccompanied minors. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) executed these coordinated actions at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and another facility in Carpinteria early Friday morning.
The raids, which began at 8:30 a.m., saw a significant federal law enforcement turnout and quickly drew attention as protesters gathered. Aerial footage captured the scene at the Camarillo farm, where agents were seen detaining workers. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed that among those found at the Camarillo site were 10 undocumented minors, including eight unaccompanied children. Glass House Farms is now under scrutiny for potential child labor violations related to these minors.
Commissioner Scott pointedly criticized the governance of California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggesting state-level responsibility for the situation by stating, “This is Newsom’s California.” The governor, in turn, took to social media to denounce the immigration raids, which prompted DHS to question the employment of children at a marijuana facility within the state.
The broader implications of the raid were underscored by the DHS's statement about the Biden administration's oversight of unaccompanied minors. According to the Conservative Brief, about 300,000 such children have been unaccounted for, raising fears of trafficking and exploitation. DHS emphasized the rescue of eight unaccompanied migrant children from the Ventura farm, pointing to potential violations of child labor laws and human trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed the operation, noting that search warrants were executed, and individuals obstructing the enforcement were arrested. Essayli issued a stern warning against interference, which escalated to the use of tear gas and less-lethal rounds against protesters who obstructed traffic.
The situation intensified further when a man reportedly fired a pistol at federal agents, as shown in a video posted by Essayli. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter, emphasizing the gravity of the incident.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Friday, expressing full support for federal immigration agents and condemning the violent actions of protesters. He tasked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan with ensuring that assailants are apprehended.
On social media, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin shared that 5,000 of the 300,000 lost unaccompanied minors had been located and reunited with relatives. The tweet also highlighted the discovery of minors at the Camarillo marijuana farm, emphasizing the operation's significance.
This raid sheds light on the complex nexus of immigration enforcement, child labor laws, and the cannabis industry within the United States. As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the minors' presence at the farm, the incident raises questions about oversight and the safeguarding of vulnerable populations.
