More than vs were arrested in a sweeping ICE raid Thursday at a cannabis farm in Ventura County, California — marking the largest immigration enforcement action of Trump’s second term, and the second-largest in U.S. history.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the numbers Friday, saying agents apprehended 319 individuals at Glass House Farms, a massive grow operation. Authorities also rescued 14 minors, some of whom were allegedly being exploited for forced labor or were at risk of trafficking.
“This wasn’t just illegal employment — this was exploitation,” Noem wrote on X. “Children were working beside violent felons.”
Convicted Child Predator Found Among Detainees
One of the individuals arrested is a convicted child predator, previously sentenced to seven years for kidnapping and attempted rape. He was working alongside 10 minors, including a 14-year-old, according to Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who posted the man’s photo on X.
“This man had a prior conviction for attempted child molestation,” Scott wrote. “And he was sharing a workplace with kids.”
The children, authorities say, were trafficked from Mexico and Honduras. ICE is now reviewing the criminal history of all 319 detainees.
Protest Turns Violent: One Dead, Agents Assaulted
The raid, carried out by federal immigration agents, quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Tear gas was deployed after ICE agents were attacked with rocks, bricks, and one possible firearm discharge.
One farmworker died during the raid after falling from a 30-foot greenhouse roof in an apparent attempt to evade capture.
Photos from the scene show protesters attempting to block agents and confront federal vehicles near the Camarillo agricultural site.
Company Under Investigation, Political Ties Scrutinized
Glass House Farms is now under federal investigation for possible child labor law violations. The company’s co-founder, Graham Farrar, previously donated $10,000 to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and has supported other Democratic and Republican politicians.
Farrar, a longtime advocate of cannabis legalization, sits on the company’s board and serves as its public face.
Trump Responds: “Authorization Granted”
President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded statement on Truth Social following the raid, blasting the protesters and authorizing ICE agents to take “any and all necessary precautions” to protect themselves in future operations.
“I watched in disbelief as THUGS violently attacked ICE officers,” Trump wrote. “I am giving total authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the public. Authorization IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION.”
He added: “I never want to see a law enforcement vehicle attacked again. This is an attack on LAW AND ORDER.”
