A California professor has been indicted for allegedly throwing a tear gas canister at federal agents during a July raid on a cannabis farm that resulted in the arrest of more than 350 illegal immigrants.
Jonathan Caravello, a 37-year-old professor at California State University Channel Islands, was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
On July 10, federal agents raided Glass House Farms, a 160-acre marijuana farm in Camarillo, Ventura County. During the operation, protesters gathered at the entrance and blocked authorities from leaving the property with their bodies and vehicles, prosecutors said.
As the raid unfolded, violent clashes broke out between ICE agents and roughly 500 protesters, some carrying Mexican flags.
Prosecutors said protesters threw rocks at government vehicles, shattering windows and mirrors. To protect federal agents, authorities deployed tear gas into the crowd.
When Border Patrol agents rolled tear gas canisters toward protesters, Caravello allegedly tried to kick one but missed. Prosecutors claim he then chased it down, picked it up, and threw it back at the agents.
Caravello was arrested shortly afterward. Prosecutors said he resisted arrest by kicking his legs and refusing to give up his arms.
He was later released on a $15,000 bond and is expected to be arraigned in federal court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
California State University Channel Islands issued a statement after the charges were announced.
“We are aware of the recent indictment involving Jonathan Caravello,” the university said. “As this matter is currently before the courts, we will not be commenting on the details of the case. We respect the legal process and believe it is important to allow it to proceed without speculation. Our focus remains on our ongoing work and commitments to our students.”
The school also confirmed that “Jonathan Caravello is still employed and currently teaching at our campus.”
Fox News previously reported that the raid led to the rescue of 14 children from Mexico and Honduras, who were allegedly being used in forced labor, exploitation, and trafficking. One man arrested at the farm reportedly has a history of violent crime, including attempted child exploitation.
