A farmworker who fell from a greenhouse roof during a chaotic immigration raid in California earlier this week has died from his injuries, becoming the first known casualty linked to the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement operations.
Jaime Alanis, 57, died Saturday after days on life support, his niece Yesenia Duran confirmed to The Associated Press. Alanis had worked at the cannabis facility for a decade and was his family’s sole breadwinner, regularly sending money home to his wife and daughter in Mexico.
Duran shared the news of his death on a GoFundMe page, writing that the family is devastated by the loss of a man they described as hardworking and devoted.
Initial reports of Alanis’ death surfaced Friday via the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, but the Ventura County Medical Center clarified that he was still alive at the time. He passed away the following day.
“These violent and cruel federal actions terrorize American communities, disrupt the food supply, and threaten lives,” the UFW said in a statement on X. The union does not represent workers at the site.
The Department of Homeland Security said the raid was part of a criminal investigation involving Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis producer with facilities in Camarillo and Carpinteria. The Camarillo farm also grows vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Alanis had reportedly called family members during the raid, saying he was hiding and possibly fleeing agents when he fell from a greenhouse roof—plummeting 30 feet and breaking his neck.
In a statement, DHS said approximately 200 individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally were detained during the operation. At least 10 children were also found at the sites, though Alanis was not among those arrested.
“He was never in CBP or ICE custody,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin. “He was not being pursued by agents. After climbing onto the roof of a greenhouse, he fell. CBP immediately called for a medivac to provide emergency care.”
The dramatic raid sparked public outcry. Demonstrators, including family members of detained workers, gathered outside the Camarillo facility, clashing with heavily armed federal agents and National Guard troops. Tensions escalated, and the crowd eventually dispersed under clouds of green and white smoke.
Four U.S. citizens were arrested during the incident for allegedly assaulting or resisting officers, and federal authorities are now offering a $50,000 reward for information about a suspect who reportedly fired a weapon at agents during the raid.
Glass House Farms issued a statement confirming that federal agents acted with valid warrants and said the company is working to provide legal support to affected workers.
“Glass House has never knowingly violated hiring laws and does not and has never employed minors,” the company said.
The company was co-founded by Graham Farrar and Kyle Kazan. Farrar has contributed to several California Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump. Kazan has donated to both Republican and Democratic candidates.
