More than 360 undocumented immigrants were arrested and at least 14 migrant children rescued during coordinated immigration raids at two cannabis farms in Southern California last week, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The raids took place on the morning of July 10 at Glass House Farms locations in Camarillo and Carpinteria, around 35 miles apart. According to DHS, the operations began around 8:30 a.m. and involved personnel from ICE, CBP, and federalized members of the California National Guard.
Fatal Incident and Violent Clashes
One farmworker, Jamie Alanís, was critically injured after falling 30 feet from a building while allegedly trying to flee immigration agents at the Camarillo site. His family confirmed that he died on Saturday after being taken off life support.
The Camarillo raid quickly escalated into a protest involving an estimated 500 demonstrators. Clashes with federal agents led to the use of tear gas and less-than-lethal rounds to disperse the crowd.
Amid the chaos, someone allegedly fired a weapon at federal authorities. The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Notable Arrests and Charges
Among those detained was Jonathan Anthony Caravello, a California State University Channel Islands professor. Federal officials allege that the math and philosophy lecturer threw a tear gas canister back at law enforcement and is now facing federal charges.
Three other protesters were arrested, though their identities have not been released.
Details on Arrested Individuals
DHS stated that a total of 361 undocumented individuals were detained between the two sites. While most names have not been disclosed, officials highlighted four individuals described as “violent and dangerous criminals”:
- Roman Izquierdo (Mexico): Convicted of kidnapping, attempted rape, and attempted child molestation. Previously deported in 2006.
- Juan Duarte-Velasquez (Mexico): Convicted of rape and DUI.
- Jose Orellana (El Salvador): Multiple burglary convictions and one DUI.
- Adriana Gonzalez-Gonzalez (Mexico): Three burglary convictions.
Concerns About Child Labor and Exploitation
DHS reported that 14 migrant children were rescued from what authorities described as “possible exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.” A separate report from the Orange County Register noted that dozens of children were seen in handcuffs at the Los Angeles Federal Building the day after the raids, though it’s unclear if they were among those rescued at the farms.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Glass House Farms is now under investigation for possible child labor violations.
Photos and videos from the scene showed detainees lined up and protesters clashing with heavily armed agents in camouflage uniforms.
Largest Operation Yet, DHS Says
DHS called the sweep “one of the largest immigration enforcement actions since President Trump took office” and indicated that more raids are expected in the coming weeks.
Officials have yet to release further details on the remaining 357 individuals detained in the operation.
