Bakersfield, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom lashed out at President Donald Trump on social media after an ICE raid at a Ventura County farm led to emotional scenes and growing public backlash.
The raid, which took place on July 10 at Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis operation in Camarillo, reportedly resulted in dozens of farmworkers being detained. A video shared by KTLA 5 showed tear gas being deployed and children crying as officers conducted the immigration enforcement operation. Protesters quickly gathered, leading to chaotic scenes as smoke filled the air and people fled.
Governor Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn Trump’s immigration crackdown, writing:
“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.”
His pointed criticism came amid ongoing raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has been carrying out near-daily enforcement actions since Trump returned to the White House in January. Hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants have reportedly been deported in that time.
New Concerns Over Children at Cannabis Site
Beyond the immigration controversy, the video has raised new questions — why were children present at a licensed cannabis farm? Glass House Farms, which grows marijuana legally under Ventura County permits, also cultivates tomatoes and cucumbers. According to a 2024 report by the Ventura County Star, the company splits its land between cannabis and other crops.
Social media users expressed concern and confusion:
- “Why are there children working on a weed farm, Gavin?”
- “Care to explain why children were present at a grow operation?”
- “Do children normally work in weed fields in California?”
At this time, it’s unclear whether the children seen in the video were visiting, living nearby, or involved in agricultural work.
Images and Response
Photos and videos from the raid showed protesters clashing with camouflaged officers in gas masks. One image showed people with their hands bound sitting against a wall. ICE also conducted a simultaneous operation at a second Glass House location in Carpinteria, about 50 miles northwest in Santa Barbara County.
Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur issued a statement criticizing ICE:
“It is becoming increasingly apparent that the actions taken by ICE are bold and aggressive, demonstrating insensitivity towards the direct impact on our community. These actions are causing unnecessary distress and harm.”
McArthur said he is working with California’s Attorney General and the Governor’s office to explore possible legal responses.
Both Glass House Farms and the White House have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded.
