Dozens of ICE agents, backed by National Guard personnel, carried out sweeping immigration raids Thursday at Glass House Farms facilities in Camarillo, Ventura County, sparking chaos and confrontation near local fields.
The large-scale operation unfolded at two key locations: 645 Laguna Road and Las Posas Road, where videos from the scene showed federal agents clashing with protesters. Tear gas and smoke bombs were deployed as crowds confronted the heavily armed agents. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
“It’s a horrible sight. It’s heart-wrenching,” said Raquel Sanchez, a volunteer with the Rapid Response Network, speaking to NBC Los Angeles. “The whole perimeter is blocked off.”
The raids, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, come just weeks after he pledged to protect farmworkers. The latest operation appears to contradict that commitment and follows similar raids in June, which led to over 30 arrests and triggered labor shortages across the region.
What Happened in Camarillo
At approximately 11:00 a.m. PT, federal agents arrived at the Glass House Farms facility on Laguna Road. The area was soon shut down, with military-style vehicles, white SUVs, and a helicopter spotted circling overhead. National Guard members in full tactical gear blocked access to surrounding roads.
A simultaneous raid also took place at Glass House’s Carpinteria facility on Casitas Pass Road, adding to the scope of the coordinated enforcement action.
Clashes and Chaos
Footage posted to social media showed dozens of protesters gathering near the Camarillo site, engaging in a tense standoff with federal agents. Tear gas and smoke bombs were reportedly used to disperse the crowd. The situation remains volatile, with civil rights groups demanding answers.
“They’re targeting the most hardworking people,” said Sanchez. “Farmworkers don’t have the luxury to miss work. They gamble with deportation every day just to put food on America’s tables.”
Local roads remained closed for several hours due to the scale of the operation, causing major traffic disruptions and fueling concern in the agricultural community.
Background
Glass House Farms is one of California’s largest licensed cannabis producers. While the exact focus of Thursday’s raid has not been officially confirmed, it follows a broader pattern of immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration. These include recent workplace raids that have drawn national scrutiny and legal challenges.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not yet responded to requests for comment.
