The Department of Homeland Security said about 200 people were arrested Thursday in two immigration enforcement operations targeting marijuana farms in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Federal agents descended on the Camarillo and Heart Glasshouse Farm facility to execute a criminal warrant, according to federal authorities. The DHS said law enforcement activities are part of an investigation into immigration and potential child labour violations.
A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner said 10 undocumented minors were found on property, eight of whom were unaccompanied.
During a standoff that lasted for hours near Camarillo, agents clashed with protesters on a road surrounded by the community’s vast farms northwest of Los Angeles. According to DHS, four people were arrested on suspicion of attack or resisting.
The video showed several white vans and at least one US former s service bus on-site, as well as those found in other immigration enforcement businesses in Southern California. Details about where the detained individual was filmed were not available immediately.
The FBI also issued a $50,000 reward to anyone armed with a gun that appears to have fired in one of the altercations. No injuries related to the shooting have been reported.
Details of the claims included in the warrant were not immediately available, but DHS said the information will be made public as the investigation continues.
“In California’s marijuana facility, ICE and CBP law enforcement agencies rescued at least 10 migrant children from what appears to be exploited, forced child labour, potentially trafficking or smuggling. Our law enforcement also arrested nearly 200 illegal aliens.” “During the operation, violent upset fired guns at brave officers. Sanctuary politicians are demonizing ice and CBP while ice and CBP officials are attacked by rioters and dodged bullets to save children.
Glass House Farms said on social media that he was visited by staff on Thursday for immigration and customs enforcement and “complied with the agent’s search warrants.” State records show that the company has multiple active licenses to grow cannabis in California.
Of the seven people injured and federal agents during the Camarillo clash, four of them were taken to hospital, while three others were treated and released on scene, the Ventura County Fire Department confirmed Thursday.
In response to Thursday’s business, Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement.
“Instead of supporting businesses and workers who drive our economy and lifestyle, Stephen Miller’s tactics evoke chaos, fear and fear within our community at every turn,” Newsom’s office said. “At Miller’s direction, Trump’s agents continue to detain American citizens, racially introduce Americans, tore families apart, wipe out parents and workers, and become a cruel federal detention center to deal with voluntary arrest assignments.”
“We will prosecute offenders who break the Child Labour Act. You will pose for photos and gas on children and promote these laws,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said on Friday in response to X’s post on allegations of child labor violations.
Federal immigration enforcement agents have stepped up arrests in Southern California, operating in car washes, farms and car parks for home improvement stores. The Trump administration has revitalized the National Guard to protect federal property and staff, with several security guards and vehicles seen near Camarillo.
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