Camarillo, California — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid Thursday at a marijuana cultivation site operated by Glass House Brands Inc., one of California’s largest licensed cannabis producers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to ABC News that the operation involved the execution of a federal warrant targeting the facility.
“DHS law enforcement is executing a warrant at a marijuana facility. Our brave officers will continue to enforce the law,” a DHS spokesperson said.
Violent Confrontations Erupt
Tensions quickly escalated as protesters clashed with federal agents on the scene. Videos captured chaotic moments, including officers deploying smoke grenades and rubber bullets. In one unverified clip, a protester appears to fire a weapon at law enforcement. There are also unconfirmed reports that Black Hawk helicopters were used in the operation. At least one person was taken into custody during the unrest.
Newsom Slams Federal Tactics
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, strongly condemned the violence against federal officers—but also lashed out at the broader operation.
Reposting a video of a protester allegedly firing at agents, Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you shit poster. Now do Jan 6.”
In a separate post, he added:
“Kids running from tear gas, crying on the phone because their mother was just taken from the fields. Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum.”
Federal Officials Fire Back
Federal authorities swiftly responded to Newsom’s remarks.
The DHS posted on X:
“Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?”
Rodney S. Scott, former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, escalated the criticism, stating:
“Breaking: 10 juveniles were found at this marijuana facility — all illegal aliens, 8 of them unaccompanied. It’s now under investigation for child labor violations. This is Newsom’s California.”
Governor’s Office Denounces the Raid
In an official statement, Newsom’s office denounced the ICE action as an inhumane display of federal overreach.
“There’s a real cost to these inhumane immigration actions on hardworking families and communities, including farmworker communities, across America,” the statement said.
The statement went on to accuse the Trump-aligned enforcement agencies of sowing “chaos, fear and terror” across immigrant communities.
The raid marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing clash between California state leadership and federal immigration authorities over enforcement practices, labor protections, and cannabis regulation.
