The death of a 57-year-old Mexican farmworker during a federal immigration raid on a California cannabis farm has ignited widespread criticism over the tactics used by ICE and other federal agencies.
Jaime Alanis, a longtime worker at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, died from severe injuries after falling from a greenhouse roof during the July 10 raid, according to multiple reports. He passed away two days later, on July 12, his family’s attorney told The New York Times.
Alanis, originally from Michoacán, Mexico, suffered a broken neck, fractured skull, and severed artery, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his niece. The page claims he fell approximately 30 feet after allegedly being chased by immigration agents.
Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers, issued a statement mourning Alanis’ death:
“Our hearts are heavy for the grieving family of Jaime Alanis, who died from injuries sustained during a chaotic raid. We’ll do everything we can to support them and continue assisting hundreds of farmworker families navigating the aftermath of this violent raid.”
Alanis had worked at the facility for over a decade, his family told ABC10.
However, immigration officials deny he was being pursued.
“This man was not and has never been in CBP or ICE custody,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS. “Although he was not being chased, he climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and fell. CBP immediately called for emergency medical help.”
The raid, which took place at both Glass House Farms in Ventura County and another site in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, sparked protests and confrontations with law enforcement. California National Guard troops were also deployed to the scene.
According to Romero, some workers—including U.S. citizens—were allegedly detained and forced to delete videos and photos of the raid from their phones before being released.
“These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize communities, disrupt the food supply, and separate families,” Romero added.
The Department of Homeland Security said that four U.S. citizens were arrested for allegedly assaulting or resisting officers, and that one individual fired a weapon at law enforcement during the protests.
Despite the controversy, DHS also reported that at least 14 migrant children were rescued from potential forced labor and trafficking situations during the operation.
A GoFundMe campaign for Alanis’ family has raised over $150,000 so far.
“He was the only provider for his family,” his niece wrote. “They took one of our own. We demand justice.”
The incident continues to fuel debate over federal immigration enforcement and its human toll on vulnerable workers.
